Older Adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that more than 78% of adults, age 50 and older, are at risk for health problems related to lack of regular and sustained physical activity. Individuals can greatly reduce their risk of dying from heart disease and decrease the risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure by engaging in regular physical activity.
Active for Life
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded the Active for Life program with a grant in 2002 and the five-year program has just wrapped. More than 900 individuals age fifty and older realized positive results by participating in the six-month, telephone-based lifestyle behavior change program.
Interesting demographics:
- Participants from Chicagoland (all six counties)
- 61% age 50-64, 26% age 65-74, 13% age 75+
- 76% female and 24% male
- 49% Caucasian, 41% African-American, 6% Hispanic, 1.5% Asian
- 57% had one or more major risk factors (high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, other)
Statistically Significant Results:
Measurable outcomes were tracked by pre and post lifestyle assessment surveys created by the University of South Carolina. Individuals considered as having a –
- sedentary lifestyle decreased from 68% of participants to 0% post test
- irregularly active lifestyle increase from 32% to 58%
- •regularly active lifestyle grew from 0% to 35%
Ninety-one percent of participants said they would recommend the program to a friend and seven percent indicated that they might make such a referral. Ninety-four percent of participants completed the program.
Active for Life® findings are being used to improve the Commit to be Fit program and to create innovative programming options such as Touch Point, Behavior Change Coaching, Commit to be Fit PLUS (Phone Learning Under Supervision) and the “Virtual Y.”
For more information, contact Mary Ganzel, Director of Healthy Lifestyles,
at 312.932.1289 or email Mary Ganzel.
Silver Sneakers
SilverSneakers offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programming that allows older adults to take greater control of their health. The program is a proven, results-oriented initiative that enables older adults, often burdened with chronic conditions, to take charge of their health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle.
For more information, contact Mary Ganzel, Director of Healthy Lifestyles,
at 312.932.1289 or email Mary Ganzel.