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Healthways and n4a Diabetes Demonstration Project Supports Improved Well-Being for Seniors

^{Published on 2010-07-29 08:10:48 - Market Wire}
 

FRANKLIN, Tenn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Healthways, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWAY) and National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) today announced the results of a recent diabetes demonstration project exploring the benefits of exercise in helping seniors manage chronic conditions and improve overall health. The n4a/Healthways Diabetes Demonstration Project included a customized 12-week Healthways fitness program geared towards seniors with diabetes. The program found that two-thirds of the demonstration project participants felt their health was much better or somewhat better at the conclusion of the program.

"We appreciate Healthways for partnering with us on this effort and we look forward to working together to bring this program to more communities around the country"

aWhat wea™ve learned from the evidence-based demonstration project with Healthways is that programs like this can help seniors with chronic conditions manage their health better and remain living independently in their homes longer,a said Sandy Markwood, CEO of National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. aThis is a great benefit to older adults and also to our country, as improved health means decreased hospitalizations and lower healthcare costs.a

Groups of seniors throughout the country participated in the Diabetes Demonstration Project, which provided access to customized exercise classes for older adults focusing on strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, health education seminars and trained senior fitness advisors.

All of the program participants had Type 2 diabetes with 42 percent having the disease over 10 years. Specific to managing their diabetes, participants reported improvement in blood pressure and there was an increase in the number of participants reporting A1C test scores of 7 percent or lower, the target set by the Mayo Clinic for patients in diabetes treatment. In addition to improvements in physical health, the program also had emotional and social benefits for the seniors who participated, with 74 percent attributing an increase in their social activities to the pilot program.

Following the 12-week program, participants were more likely to rate their health as aexcellenta or avery gooda (39 percent post-program vs. 28 percent pre-program). Also notable, at the start of the program, 29 percent of participants reported physical pain associated with exercise versus 17 percent upon completion of the study. Participants also reported moderate shifts towards healthier eating, including increased intake of fruits and vegetables and moderate improvements in their functional fitness.

aThis pilot confirms that with a properly designed and implemented program, seniors will take steps to better manage their well-being,a said Steve Brueckner, President, Healthways. aIt is this unique approach to managing chronic disease that will yield a healthier population and positively affect healthcare spending in the U.S. We hope to utilize this information in assisting seniors with other chronic conditions in the future.a

The pilot program was conducted in collaboration with eight area agencies on aging located in seven regions, including: Phoenix, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; Wichita, Kansas; Manhattan, Kansas; Missoula, Montana; Nashville, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky.

aWe appreciate Healthways for partnering with us on this effort and we look forward to working together to bring this program to more communities around the country,a Markwood added.

About n4a

n4a is the leading voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and a champion in our nationa™s capital for Title VI Native American aging programs. Through advocacy, training and technical assistance, n4a supports the national network of 629 AAAs and 246 Title VI programs. The fundamental mission of the AAAs and Title VI aging programs is to provide services that make it possible for older individuals to remain in their homes, thereby preserving their independence and dignity. These agencies coordinate and support a wide range of home and community-based services, including information and referral, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, employment services, senior centers, adult day care and a long-term care ombudsman program. ([ www.n4a.org ])

About Healthways

Healthways is the leading provider of specialized, comprehensive solutions to help millions of people maintain or improve their health and well-being and, as a result, reduce overall costs. Healthways' solutions are designed to keep healthy people healthy, mitigate or eliminate lifestyle risk factors that can lead to disease and optimize care for those with chronic illness. Our proven, evidence-based programs provide highly specific and personalized interventions for each individual in a population, irrespective of age or health status, and are delivered to consumers by phone, mail, internet and face-to-face interactions, both domestically and internationally. Healthways also provides a national, fully accredited complementary and alternative Health Provider Network and a national Fitness Center Network, offering convenient access to individuals who seek health services outside of, and in conjunction with, the traditional healthcare system. For more information, please visit [ www.healthways.com ].