Case Study: Shaping Up Seniors in Washington State

People, generally speaking, are getting older. That shouldn’t come as a shock. But what may be surprising is just how many Americans are now over age 65, and how many more will be in the years to come.

According to the Administration on Aging, a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the older population—people 65 years or older—reached 39.6 million in 2009 (the latest year for which data is available). That group made up nearly 13% of the U.S. population, or about one in every eight Americans. By 2030 the U.S. older population is expected to number 72.1 million, more than twice their number in 2000.¹

Aging may not be an epidemic, but an aging patient population does present unique challenges for EMS. The elderly are not only more susceptible to chronic conditions, heart disease and dementia, they also face an increased risk for frequent falls, which can lead to devastating fractures.² Because older persons often have slower reaction times, thinner skin and weakened immune systems, it’s important for the elderly to maintain active, healthy lifestyles to avoid falls and the resulting injuries.

The Emergency Medical Services Division of Public Health—Seattle & King County (WA), in conjunction with the Healthy Aging Partnership, began the Shape Up campaign in its region to get seniors more involved with physical activity programs at seven area community centers. Not only does the program benefit the seniors who participate, it also helps reduce falls and subsequent EMS responses, which consume EMS time and resources. In 2008, fall-related events made up more than 17% of King County EMS responses among patients age 65 and older.³

“The Shape Up campaign is a great way for older adults to get plugged in to free and low-cost community activity programs,” Karen Lewis, then program director for the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation, a partner of the Healthy Aging Partnership organization, said when the campaign began in 2009. “The best way for seniors to reduce their chance of falling is to be physically active. Activity programs that build strength, balance and flexibility significantly reduce seniors’ chances of experiencing a fall.”

The seven community centers participating in the Shape Up campaign offer a $10 discount with a Shape Up coupon for seniors on any of the physical activity classes the centers provide as part of their regular programming, such as yoga, line-dancing, EnhanceFitness and other group exercise classes designed for seniors.

“I’m the type of guy who needs to take a group class because I like the social atmosphere, and at the same time it improves my balance and keeps me in good shape,” noted one senior when the Shape Up campaign began.

References

1. Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Aging Statistics, www.aoa.gov/Aging_Statistics.

2. Levy S. The Most Common Issues of Aging. AgingCare.com, www.agingcare.com/Articles/common-issues-of-aging-102224.htm.

3. Public Health—Seattle & King County. Shape Up, www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ems/community/ShapeUp.aspx.