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Exercise more, pay less
Researchers find links between activity, cost of health care for older Minnesotans
by Brian Martinson, Ph.D., HealthPartners research investigator
As the baby boomer generation edges ever closer to retirement, Minnesota is experiencing a significant demographic shift. Within the next quarter century, the states over-65 population is expected to more than double. On top of this, a recent study by the Minnesota Department of Health showed that health care costs rose 16 percent in 2002. According to the study, the health care industry has not yet begun to feel the full implications of the aging population, leaving many worried about the boomer generations future impact on the industry.
With employers and employees already absorbing skyrocketing health care costs, health care experts are looking at short-term and long-term ways to contain health care costs as this enormous wave of baby boomers ages. New reports released by the HealthPartners Research Foundation (
HealthPartners Research Foundation
) suggest that some solutions may be simpler than expected.
Link between activity and health care costs
In the first report of its kind, HPRF researchers found a direct correlation between an increase in physical activity and a decrease in short-term health care expenses. Physcial activity such as walking for 30 minutes a time at least three times a week was associated with greatly reduced health care costs for older adults in the following year. The report, published in October 2003 in Preventive Medicine, determined that sedentary adults aged 50 and over who increased their physical activity had substantially lower medical costs over the following year, compared to those remaining sedentary. The study concluded that inactive older adults, who increased their physical activity to at least 90 minutes per week experienced an average of about $2,000 less in medical charges in the following year that were nearly $2,000. These findings helped to secure a $2.4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to do further research on successful methods of encouraging the baby boomer generation to stay physically active.
This is the first time that the impact of changes in physical activity have been associated with changes in health care costs. Its been assumed that healthier people have lower costs, but this study shows how much could be saved if those who dont exercise put reasonable effort toward becoming more active.
The implications of widespread increased activity among this group would be significant in reducing future health care costs. According to the study, more than one-third of people aged 50 and older lead a sedentary lifestyle. The 2000 U.S. census found that there were 1.1 million people aged 50 or older living in Minnesota, accounting for 26 percent of the population. The Minnesota Department of Health estimates that 385,000 Minnesotans aged 50 and over partake in little or no physical activity (30 minutes or less per week). Applying the findings of the study to the state population, HPRF researchers suggest that if those 385,000 people increased their weekly physical activity to at least 90 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity, Minnesota could potentially see a total reduction of $847 million in health care costs. Applied nationally, the possible savings are well into the billions of dollars.
One of the studys important findings was that the cost benefits can be realized in a very short amount of time. The results showed that inactive individuals who increased their physical activity had substantial reductions in their health care costs within 24 months. The research also showed that those people who were already active had very little change in their health care costs, raising the possibility that the increase in physical activity was associated with a one-time only cost savings.
Changing to an active lifestyle
As a demographic group, older adults experience higher amounts of illness, which can be compounded by a sedentary lifestyle. Members of this population group are at higher risk, or in many cases, have already developed cardiovascular or chronic illnesses, which may result in a sedentary lifestyle. The authors of the study note that because of these and other factors, older adults shouldnt immediately go from a sedentary lifestyle to a vigorous exercise program. Gradually beginning with minimal to moderate increases in exercise will generate significant results, and reduce risk of injury.
"Someone with little to no activity in their lifestyle should start with a basic low-intensity walking program, says Nico Pronk, Ph.D., vice president, HealthPartners Center for Health Promotion. The benefits of a walking program are very significant. Its a good way to introduce physical activity and can be done at any time, with the only cost being a pair of shoes."
Individuals can use programs such as
HealthPartners 10,000 Steps
program to increase their activity. The program includes a personal pedometer that measures every step, allowing participants to easily and closely monitor their progress. Moderate impact programs like this are an effective way to get people involved in exercise and improving their lifestyles.
Realizing the potential for short-term and long-term savings by encouraging regular exercise, HealthPartners recently initiated its Frequent Fitness Program. Through partnerships with Northwest Athletic Club, Twin Cities area YMCAs and YWCAs, Golds Gym, Flagship Athletic Club and Weight Watchers, HealthPartners is able to offer its members reduced or eliminated enrollment fees and reimbursements on their membership fees.
National grant for further study
Increases in exercise or physical activity are ineffective in reducing costs if not maintained consistently. Based partially on the results of this study, the National Institute on Aging has granted the HealthPartners Research Foundation $2.4 million to complete a five-year study designed to help older adults maintain their physical activity. The study will randomly assign active individuals to either an intervention group or a comparison group. The intervention group will receive phone-based coaching by professional health educators and mailings to assist them in being active; the comparison group will receive only referral to the HealthPartners 10,000 Steps Program. This unique approach will provide measures to help people find effective means of maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle after they have reached the age of 50.
Older adults need to stay active. Many people start their own physical activity program but quickly become inactive shortly thereafter. We believe our study will help find successful ways to keep these people active and healthy.
Editor's note: Brian Martinson is principal investigator of a five-year study designed to help older adults maintain their physical activity. This article was published May 2004 in Minnesota Healthcare News.
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