August 10, 2006

Move it or Lose it:
The Importance of Healthy Aging

34% - of adults over age 50 are sendentary

1/3 - of men aged 75 and over engage in no leisure physical activity

1/2 - of women aged 75 and over engage in no leisure physical activity

$4.50 - the return for every $1 spent on physical activity programs for older adults with hip fractures

~ 75% - of people in an AARP survey said they wanted to learn to exercise safely

71% - of the same respondents wanted help staying motivated

66% - of respondents wanted to learn to set realistic goals

300,000 - the # of people in the U.S. who die each year from diseases related to physical inactivity

Source: Centers for Disease Control, AARP article: "Proving the Need for a Physical Activity Program.

Healthy Aging
Prepared by Helen Dillon
Senior Fellow, Center for Aging & Community

Research indicates that older people who engage in physical activity can extend years of active, independent life. A study published in the July 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that higher levels of activity in older people, including simple household activity, can significantly reduce the risk of dying. The study measured resting metabolic rates and carbon dioxide production, a direct measure of total energy use, to assess individuals' energy use through usual daily activity. For more on this study go http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/296/2/171.

A growing body of scientific evidence exists that shows physical activity can contribute to improved health and functional ability, as well as reduced chronic illness and disability. Here are some of the facts:

• Middle age men and women who engage in regular physical activity have significantly higher good cholesterol (HDL) than those who are sedentary. Good cholesterol helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  
• Strength training helps people maintain and improve their balance and may help reduce falls and fractures.
  
• According to a report from the Surgeon General regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and colon cancer.It also reduces the feelings of depression and anxiety and promotes psychological well-being.
  
• The National Council on Aging's Center for Healthy Aging serves as the National Resource Center for the Administration on Aging's Evidence-Based Disease Prevention Initiative and provides programs, tools, resources, and technical assistance to support the adoption and maintenance of evidence-based programs across the aging services network.
  
• The National Council on Aging (NCOA), Center for Healthy Aging, has issued two briefs. The first,titled Using the Evidence Base to Promote Health Aging, defines evidence-based health promotion, how community service providers can use an evidence-based program to prove effectiveness and the tasks and 13 steps to evidence-based health promotion practice. The second brief, The Model Programs Project, provides additional information on model programs from across the United States and why these programs are considered models.

To access the Center for Healthy Aging's resources and archived electronic newsletters, please visit http://www.healthyagingprograms.org/

Active Aging Week 2006
Sponsored by the International Council on Active Aging, the fourth
annual Active Aging Week will be celebrated September 25 - October 1, 2006. The purpose of the week is to heighten awareness of the health benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle. During this national health observance, hundreds of fitness and wellness facilities will open their doors to older adults, offering free fitness classes, educational sessions, and more. For more information, visit www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm

Program helps older adults stay fit
The SilverSnearkers® Fitness Program allows Medicare-eligible people to join a participating fitness center at no cost. There are currently over 100,000 Hoosiers who are eligible for the SilverSneakers program. In addition to the fitness center membership, the program offers SilverSneakers classes taught by certified instructors,assistance from a Senior Advisor, health education seminars, national reciprocity within a quality network of fitness centers, and access to the SilverSneakers website. If you know of someone eligible to enroll, encourage them to visit www.silversneakers.com.

If you are looking for senior health information to share with older adults you serve, visit the Media Center of the SilverSneakers website.

Physical activity objectives help in program planning
If you are writing a proposal for physical activity programs or goals for your agency, don't forget to use the Healthy People 2010 Physical Activity Objectives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as well as other health agencies have outlined a number of objectives related to physical activity.  These include:

• Reduce the proportion of adults who engage in no leisure-time physical activity from 40 percent to 20 percent;
• Increase the proportion of adults who engage in regularly, preferably daily, physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day from 15 percent to 30 percent;
• Increase the proportion of adults who perform physical activities that enhance and maintain muscular strength and endurance from 18 percent to 30 percent;
• Increase the proportion of trips made by walking from 17 percent to 25 percent;
• If you are pushing for a community that is fitness minded two community objectives include:
• Increase the proportion of the public and private schools that provide access to their physical activity spaces and facilities for all persons outside the normal school hours, and
• Increase the proportion of work sites offering employer-sponsored physical activity and fitness programs from 46 percent to 75 percent.

Although these objectives are not age-specific, they are goals that fit the age 50 and older population.  For more information on Healthy People 2010  and more resources for health initiatives visit: http://www.healthypeople.gov

Never Too Late seeks wishes to grant
Never Too Late, a 501c3 charity that grants wishes to people in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice and adult day programs, is looking for more wishes to fill. Wishes are granted to seniors all over the state of Indiana and have included rides at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a chance to swing for the fences at a minor league baseball stadium, the donation of CD player and books on tape, and reunions with family members. If you know of someone who has a dream or wish to be fulfilled, submit the wish request to Never Too Late at http://www.nevertoolate.org/wish_request.htm

CAC Events of Note

Healthy Aging presentation - Indianapolis - October 17
The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community (CAC) will host 

Healthy Aging: Encouraging Physical Activity for Older Adults
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
University of Indianapolis, Good Hall Recital Hall

8:00am - Continental breakfast
           8:30am - Healthy Aging program presentation
          10:00am - Q&A

Dr. Roseann Lyle, a professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Purdue University and a member of the steering committee of the Active Aging Partnership, will discuss the Partnership's National Blueprint: Increasing Physical Activity for Adults Age 50 and Older, update attendees on current iniatives and define how you can participate in the effort.

Lyle is also a founder and community leader for "Living Well After 50," a local coalition in Tippecanoe County that has worked with city and county officials and the local strategic planning group, Vision 20/20, to build trails and enhance and develop opportunities for physical activity for older adults.She will discuss the development of the local coalition, the move to a socio-ecological approach to physical activity and lessons learned.

This presentation is part of CAC's "IN Place" speaker series. There is no cost to attend. To reserve your complimentary seat,

For directions to the University of Indianapolis, please click here. Due to Fall Break, parking is readily available.

CAC Update presentation - Lafayette - October 17
The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community will  partner with Area IV Agency on Aging to present the latest information on CAC projects, research and trainings for agencies serving older adults. Join us at 2:00pm in Area IV's conference room, 660 N. 36th Street, Lafayette. Contact Lidia Dubicki at (317) 791-5930 to make your reservation.

Around the state

Caregiver respite - Joy's House invites you to join them in spreading the word about A Day Away, an event to celebrate the caregiver. This special day, which will take place on September 23 at The Riviera Club in Indianapolis,  includes educational sessions, massage, food, friendship and gifts. Caregivers will have the opportunity to attend two of the following breakout sessions; Legal Concerns for the Caregiver; Memory Loss; Safety, First Aid & Transfer Training; and Taking Care of You: An Interactive Session. The day will conclude with a catered sit down lunch from Hoaglin Fine Catering and keynote speaker, Jinx Oberly, sharing "Their Laughing Matters."  There is no charge for this event. Adult day services are available at Joy's House free of charge as space allows. If you would be interested in invitations to distribute to caregivers you know, please email amy@joyshouse.org. For further explanation, questions, sponsorship info or to register call Amy at 254-0828.

Project Share -- The Alzheimer's Association is offering Project Share for individuals experiencing the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, as well as for their care partners.  This nine-week program, provides education, emotional support, and socialization among peers who face similar circumstances, in a tolerant and accepting atmosphere. T o participate in Project Share, individuals must have a physician's diagnosis of dementia and acknowledge the disease. Additionally, those involved in the group should have some communication skills and a desire to come to the session.  A care partner (spouse, adult child, friend) will also be expected to attend. A screening process will take place prior to the start of the program. Project Share will be held in Indianapolis every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30pm, from September 26 through November 21. If you know of someone who might be interested in attending, please have them c ontact Amy Frepan at 1-888-575-9624 or amy.frepan@alz.org for more details.

IAAA Education Institute awarded grants -- The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA) Education Institute has been awarded a Senior Medicare Patrol Grant from the Administration on Aging to fund the Senior ESP Program, which provides seniors with education designed to reduce erroneous and wasteful Medicare and Medicaid spending. The program covers Medicare fraud and abuse prevention in all Medicare and Medicaid services, including the Medicare Part D, prescription drug benefit. By utilizing the 16 AAAs Information and Assistance (I&A) systems statewide and the Indiana Medicare Partners, this program helps seniors protect both their own as well as federal health care resources. In the last year, 357 presentations were made and 219 events were hosted by the 16 AAAs to reach over 40,000 seniors in Indiana.  For more information on the Senior ESP Program contact Barbara Burcham at (317) 598-9300, x207.  
 
The IAAAA Education Institute has also received a grant from the Access to Benefits Coalition to provide outreach and Low Income Subsidy Assistance enrollment help to eligible seniors. To learn more, please contact Becky Baker at (317) 598-9300, x206.

Education events on memory loss -- The Alzheimer's Association of Indiana will host two education events on Memory Loss on Mondays, August 14, 21 and 28 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Each evening will provide information for caregivers and activities for people with memory loss. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alzindiana.org.

Continuing Ed program offers classes for education and enjoyment -- The Katz Adult Continuing Education Experienc Program at the Indianapolis Jewish Community Center offers current events classes, book discussion groups, business information seminars and short travel opportunities. Membership at the JCC is not required. If you know of someone who would like more information -- or if you want to learn about how the JCC program is structured -- contact Larry Rothenberg at (317) 251-9467.

Grants Information

Free monthly grants discussions -- A free at-your-desk mini-teleclass series is offered by GRANTS-WISE on the first Tuesday of every month. To join, you must be a member of Just Grants! Indiana. Each monthly teleclass will give you the opportunity to participate in a 45-minute discussion with fellow grant practitioners from communities all across America on grants-related topics of most concern to you. The call to GRANTS-WISE is a long-distance call. September's topic is "So Your Proposal was Declined: What Does It Mean and Where Do You Go from Here?"

Rural health grants -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers Rural Health Care Services Outreach grants to community collaborations that develop innovative health care delivery programs in rural areas lacking essential health care services. Twenty-five grants will be awarded, with the average grant size estimated at $150,000. Deadline to apply is October 18, 2006. For more information, visit the HRSA grants website.

The resource file

Older Americans Update 2006: Key Indicators of Well-Being: This publication provides new data on 37 indicators selected by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. A pdf copy is available online or for printing. Find this resource at   http://www.agingstats.gov/update2006/default.htm

Indiana Nonprofits: A Portrait of Religious Nonprofits and Secular Charities: The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University has released a new survey report on Indiana nonprofits. To view the report, click here. The executive summary and key findings from the report are now posted at www.indiana.edu/~nonprof.

Have something to say?

If you have an idea or suggestion for the IANA e-news, or if your organization has an announcement you would like published, please contact Amy Magan at amagan@uindy.edu or (317) 791-5933. Announcements should be no more than 200 words and should be applicable to aging service providers. All submissions are subject to editing for length and clarity.

The IANA e-news is published the second Thursday of each month by the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community.

University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community
901 S. Shelby Street  Indianapolis, IN 46203
(317) 791-5930 PHONE  (317) 791-5945 FAX  http://cac.uindy.edu