Embargoed For Release
April 4, 2005 11:30am

New Survey Finds Older Adults Know How To Be Healthy, But Barriers Prevent Action
Comprehensive Approach Needed to Help Seniors Live Stronger, Longer

Washington, DC, April 4, 2005 – Americans over age 55 are well aware of proven steps to better health such as proper diet, regular exercise, reducing stress and having a positive attitude, according to a new survey released today by the American Public Health Association (APHA).

However, the survey also finds that older adults report facing a number of barriers in their lives that prevent them from taking necessary steps to improve their health.

" At a point when Americans are living much longer, research shows that simple lifestyle changes can help ensure a healthier future," says Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, executive director of the APHA. "Our new survey finds that although many older adults are well aware of the need to make changes in their daily lives to improve their health, they often lack the motivation and resources to take action."

Key findings from the survey, conducted in conjunction with National Public Health Week 2005 (April 4-10), include:

• Half of older adults believe they are living a healthy lifestyle, while half recognize they need to make changes to improve their health.
• A lack of motivation (51%), followed closely by money (46%) and time (34%), were cited as primary barriers to taking action to be healthier.
• Members of the oldest segment of Americans, those 75 and older, are more likely than their younger counterparts to say they are living a healthy lifestyle (67% for those aged 75+ compared to 38% for those 55 to 64 years old).
• Nearly eight in 10 (78%) believe diet and exercise more than the genes they are born with (18%) decide how healthy they will be as they age.

According to the APHA, this survey clearly illustrates the need to invest in public education, community-based programs, and environmental and policy interventions so the health care system is able to better serve the needs of the aging population.

“ Society needs to embrace preventative care and physical activity, and create communities that foster healthy, active lifestyles for individuals of all ages. Simple things like maintaining safe walking paths for older adults can make a big difference,” added Benjamin.

Older Adults Concerned About Health Care

The APHA survey also asked older Americans about attitudes on the state of health care in the United States. The survey found that:

• More than one in four (28%) older adults rank health care as their top concern for the country – well ahead of the war in Iraq, the economy and terrorism.
• Nearly two-thirds (61%) of older adults say the cost of health care is of particular concern, followed by quality (22%) and access (14%).
  
  “ One of the driving forces behind the rising cost of health care is the lack of preventative care being taken by consumers,” said Benjamin. “We need to move from a health care system that focuses on treating illness to one that stresses prevention. ”

Key Recommendations

APHA encourages all Americans to adopt the three P’s to living stronger, longer – prevent problems from happening, protect your health through early detection, and plan to stay healthy for many years to come.Key recommendations for incorporating the three P’s for healthy aging include:

For older adults

• Ask a friend or family member to join with you in making changes and to provide mutual support for protecting and improving your health.
• Strive to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity each day through such everyday activities as gardening, house cleaning and walking.

For policymakers

• Enhance Medicare’s preventative care benefits; restrain rising Medicare Part-B premiums and deductibles.
• Design “livable communities” so older Americans can be physically active and fund adequate public transportation and other mobility alternatives.
• Increase training opportunities for health care professionals with expertise in geriatrics.

For health care providers and family caregivers

• Assist older adults in developing a plan to accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.
• Refer older adults to community-based physical activity programs that offer aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility components designed for older adults.

APHA and public health departments throughout the country will jumpstart these recommendations during National Public Health Week by staging free health screenings and other public events aimed at helping seniors access the information and tools they need to live stronger, longer. For a list of NPHW activities, and additional details regarding the 2005 National Public Health Week survey, log on to www.nphw.org/2005.
The American Public Health Association, the oldest organization of public health professionals, represents more than 50,000 members from over 50 public health occupations.

Methodology

On behalf of the American Public Health Association, Belden Russonello & Stewart conducted a national random sample telephone survey of 600 adults, age 55 and older from February 24 through March 5, 2005. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points. The demographic profile of the sample matches the U.S. population age 55 and older as represented in the U.S. Census.