Healthy Aging: Evidence-Based Programs and Practical Strategies
Overview
Why focus on older adults? Why evidence-based approaches? Specifics on programs DHS is
supporting in Oregon Programs and beyond
Why Focus on Older Adults More than 1.7 million Americans die of a
chronic disease each year.
80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition; 50% at least two.
95% of health care spending for older adults attributed to chronic conditions
Four chronic diseases—heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—cause almost 2/3 of all deaths each year.
Oregon Chronic Conditions (2005)
Prevalence 55-64
65-74
75-84
85+
Arthritis 44% 54% 58% 57%
Asthma 12% 17% 15% 9%
Heart attack 5% 11% 14% 13%
Coronary heart disease 6% 12% 14% 10%
Stroke 4% 6% 9% 12%
Diabetes 10% 9% 8% 6%
High blood pressure 39% 51% 53% 54%
High cholesterol 49% 51% 49% 37%
Oregon Modifiable Risk Factors (2005)
All Oregon
ians
55-64 65-74 75-84+ 85+
Current Smoker 21% 16% 11% 5% 2%
Eats 5+ servings of fruits/vegetables / day
25% 26% 29% 35% 42%
Meets CDC physical activity guidelines
39% 56% 53% 45% 40%
Overweight 37% 38% 42% 42% 32%
Obese 22% 31% 24% 14% 11%
Why Focus on Older Adults
Research shows that if older adults maintain just three health habits – moderate physical activity, good nutrition, and not smoking - they can delay disability by as much as 10 years.
Why Evidence-Based ApproachesFor the state: Limited
resources We have the
evidence Ability to
justify what we’re doing
National support
For communities:o Increases the
likelihood of positive outcomes
o Makes it easier to justify funding
o Helps to establish partnerships –esp. with health care
o Leads to efficient use of resources
o Supports continuous quality improvement
Specifics on Targeted Programs
Falls prevention Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
Physical activity Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs EnhanceFitness
Chronic conditions Living Well With Chronic Conditions
Tai Chi for Better Balance
What it is: 12 week simplified Tai Chi program
that meets 2x/week Outcomes: Decreased falls,
decreased fear of falls
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
What it is: Physical activity program for older
adults that meets 2-3x/week for 1 hour Outcomes: increased functional ability,
increased self-care behaviors, decreased pain, decreased depression
Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program
What it is: Water exercise program for older
adults that meets 2-3x/week Outcomes: increased functional
ability, decreased pain, decreased depression
EnhanceFitness
What it is: Physical activity program for older
adults that meets 1-hour, 3x/week Outcomes: Improved physical fitness,
maintain or improve physical function, decreased healthcare costs
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
What it is: 6-week program for people with any
kind of chronic condition. 3 variations: Living Well, Tomando Control de su Salud, Positive Self-Management for People with HIV/AIDS
Outcomes: Improvements in exercise, self-reported health, fatigue, social/role limitations; decreased hospital days; results lasting for as long as 3 years.
Other Considerations…
Community influences of healthy aging Positive? Negative?
Workplace influences of healthy aging Positive? Negative?
Jennifer MeadDHS - Seniors & People with Disabilities
971-673-1035 - [email protected]
Audrey SienkiewiczDHS - Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention
971-673-1004 – [email protected]
Healthy Aging Listservhttp://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/mailman/listinfo/oregonhealthyaging