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 Arthritis44%54%58%57% Asthma12%17%15%9% Heart attack5%11%14%13% Coronary heart disease 6%12%14%10% Stroke4%6%9%12% Diabetes10%9%8%6% High blood pressure39%51%53%54% High cholesterol49%51%49%37%

Oregon Modifiable Risk Factors (2005) All Oregon ians Current Smoker21%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% Overweight37%38%42% 32% Obese22%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 Approaches For the state:  Limited resources  We have the evidence  Ability to justify what we’re doing  National support For communities: oIncreases the likelihood of positive outcomes oMakes it easier to justify funding oHelps to establish partnerships –esp. with health care oLeads to efficient use of resources oSupports 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 Mead DHS - Seniors & People with Disabilities Audrey Sienkiewicz DHS - Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention – Healthy Aging Listserv