You know your patients probably need to get more physical activity — and they probably know it too. But that doesn?t change the fact that less than 5 percent¹ of adults in the United States perform the 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week that is deemed necessary for good health.² Further, nearly one third of people between the ages of 65 and 74 get no exercise at all.³ Physicians who provide primary care are in a key position to motivate their older adult patients to be more active; however, this opportunity is often underutilized. The Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) tracks the percentage of senior plan members who discussed their physical activity with their physician during the last year and who were advised to either start exercising or increase or maintain their level of physical activity. Only 48 percent of survey respondents reported being asked about their activity level during an office visit.

Make the case for exercise

There are compelling reasons why your older adult patients should start an activity program, even if they previously have been sedentary. Compared with inactive individuals of a similar age, older adults who exercise are at lower risk of illness or death from any cause. In addition, there is strong evidence that physically active people are less likely to get colon or breast cancer or become obese. Regular exercise in midlife and beyond also helps stave off depression and cognitive decline in later years.²

Develop an activity plan with your patients

It is important to set safe activity goals with your older adult patients, particularly those who have a chronic health condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or arthritis. Activities should be tailored to the individual?s ability and general health. A balanced activity plan includes aerobic exercise for cardiovascular fitness with strength-training to maintain muscle and bone mass. In addition, stretching and balance exercises can help reduce the risk of falls. A successful program for older adults addresses each of these components and specifies when, where, and how the activities should be performed. The basic guidelines for older adults include 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, per week. Aerobic exercise should be performed most days of the week for periods lasting at least ten minutes. It may be easier for some people to reach their weekly total by combining several short exercise sessions rather than attempting fewer longer ones.³ Strength-training exercises that work all major muscle groups should be performed at least two days a week. Recommended activities include calisthenics, weightlifting (machines or handheld weights), exercise bands, and Pilates.³ Balance and stretching exercises, such as yoga and tai chi, can be added to promote flexibility and help reduce the risk of falls. In addition, let patients know that household chores and yard work, such as vacuuming, raking, and carrying groceries, can help contribute to the overall activity total.³

Tips for physicians³

Consider the following during office visits with your older adult patients: Ask your patients at every visit about their activity level. Enumerate the health benefits of getting regular exercise. Screen for health problems that would require further evaluation before prescribing an exercise program to your patients. Suggest ways that inactive patients can make simple changes, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking 10 - 20 minutes each day. Write an "exercise prescription." Refer patients to exercise programs designed for older adults at community centers and health clinics. Discuss ways for patients who are somewhat active to use exercise to achieve greater health benefits.

SilverSneakers^® is available

Did you know that AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage HMO members have access to the SilverSneakers Fitness Program? Through this program, these members can take advantage of nearly 10,000 fitness and wellness centers across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Participating SilverSneakers locations are equipped with treadmills, free weights, and other fitness equipment and also offer the signature SilverSneakers Fitness Program classes, designed specifically for older adults and taught by certified instructors. Note: SilverSneakers is offered to AmeriHealth 65^® NJ HMO members at no cost. To enroll in the program, members should bring their SilverSneakers ID card to a participating SilverSneakers location. Members can visit the SilverSneakers website or call 1-888-423-4632 for a complete list of locations.

References

¹ Troiano RP et al. Physical activity in the United States measured by accelerometer. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2008 Jan; 40(1):181-8.

² Buchner D. Editorials. Promoting physical activity in older adults. American Family Physician. 2010; 81(1)24-26.

³ Elsawy B, Higgins K. Physical activity guidelines for older adults. American Family Physician. 2010; 81(1)55-59, 60-62.

This is not a statement of benefits. Benefits may vary based on Federal requirements, Benefits Program (HMO, PPO, etc.), and/or employer groups. Providers should call Customer Service for the member?s applicable benefits information. Members should be instructed to call the Customer Service telephone number listed on their ID card.

SilverSneakers is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc.