Oral Health America (OHA) has released A State of Decay, Vol. IV – a state-by-state analysis examining the state and national variables impacting the oral health of older adults as a key factor to their overall health and wellness. Did you know – by 2029 the baby boomer generation will include older adults ranging from ages 65 to 83 years old? While the 65+ population will fall under the same Medicare system, the needs of the oldest and youngest baby boomers will look very different. A State of Decay, Vol. IV illustrates states’ progress in some areas and the need for continued action and long-term systems change solutions. OHA has created supplemental resources, including key messages and guidelines on how to talk about state scores, for stakeholders to use while advocating locally and engaging in conversation about what they are doing in their state to advance the oral health of older adults.

As advocates for oral health equity for all, we urge you to use A State of Decay to tackle the unaddressed issues in your state and work toward changing the lives of seniors. We know it’s not about a pretty smile – it’s about whole body health, and it starts with us. 

Links to the latest volume of A State of Decay and advocacy tools can be viewed on astateofdecay.org.