Options for older Iowans to live well

By Mary Ann Young

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Iowans are living longer, with a life expectancy of 79.3 years, above the national average. But longer life also has been accompanied by a dramatic rise in chronic disease. Long-term health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease affect 133 million Americans.

Half of all older adults have two or more chronic health conditions, including approximately 330,000 older adults in Iowa, according to the National Council on Aging. Of every Medicare dollar, 80 cents goes toward chronic disease.

In Iowa, chronic diseases costs for all age groups total $10.5 billion a year in medical costs and lost productivity.

Life with a chronic disease can be lonely. Most people spend only a few minutes a month in the doctor's office and the rest of their time is coping with medications and symptoms on their own. Patients and experts agree that the key to living better with chronic disease is for patients to learn to manage their disease and find the support they need.

One proven solution is Better Choices, Better Health. More than 1,350 Iowans have participated in these interactive community workshops, sponsored by Iowa Healthy Links (a project of the Iowa Department on Aging and the Iowa Department of Public Health; www.iowahealthylinks.org/about.html#CDSMP). In Cedar Rapids, the program is known as Live Active, Live Healthy and is run by Mercy Medical Center in partnership with the The Heritage Agency.

The workshops bring together people with many different conditions, and are taught by trained community leaders, most of whom also have a chronic disease. They offer techniques to deal with pain, fatigue, isolation and frustration; suitable exercises; appropriate use of medications; and tips on healthy eating, plus encouragement.

Based on the acclaimed Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, the workshops also help people set and meet personal goals such as exercising more and returning to favorite activities. They also gain the confidence to communicate better with their doctors.

Better Choices, Better Health saves money by reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

I have been involved with Better Choices, Better Health since its inception in Iowa. I am proud of the accomplishments of the many partner agencies and volunteers who have helped Iowans coping with chronic illnesses.

Mary Ann Young, of Des Moines, is a retired administrator with the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, now the Iowa Department on Aging, and is a volunteer trainer and peer leader for Better Choices, Better Health. Comments: whink1234@mchsi.com