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
percent
1 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 physician3
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 IBC Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO 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 Keystone 65 HMO and Personal Choice
65
SM PPO 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.
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.,
an independent company.