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 - jennifer.mead@state.or.us

Audrey SienkiewiczDHS - Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention

971-673-1004 – audrey.sienkiewicz@state.or.us

Healthy Aging Listservhttp://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/mailman/listinfo/oregonhealthyaging