Because physical activity is a cornerstone of enhancing quality of life and mitigating health risks, the Health Outcomes Survey includes questions to assess whether patients have discussed their level of physical activity with their providers and received advice about increasing or maintaining it. By prioritizing conversations about physical activity with your patients, you can encourage active aging and help identify barriers to regular exercise. However, despite the importance of exercise, these discussions are often neglected during routine visits.

Why physical activity matters

Physical activity helps maintain mobility, reduces the risk of chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes and enhances mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A study published by Geriatric Nursing in 2022 found that “despite the documented health benefits of physical activity, 27 to 35 percent of older adults failed to meet the established physical activity guidelines.”¹ The authors also reference several studies that indicate with physical exercise, there is a 30 percent reduced likelihood of feelings of social isolation, which is linked to depression. In addition, when older adults engage in physical activity, there is an increased likelihood of a positive perception of aging.

Educate, motivate and monitor

You have a unique opportunity to positively influence your patients, particularly in guiding lifestyle choices for older adults. Having conversations regularly can encourage a culture of activity and contribute to a broader cultural shift that prioritizes active aging by:

• Educating and informing – You can provide credible information about the benefits of exercise and dispel myths that may deter older adults from being active.
• Creating personalized plans – Work with your patients to develop exercise plans that accommodate any physical limitations or health conditions. Advising a patient on activities that fit their needs and abilities and include achievable goals increases the likelihood of success.
• Encouraging and motivating – Regular encouragement from a trusted health care provider can motivate older adults to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.
• Monitoring progress – By following up and monitoring progress, you can adjust exercise recommendations to better suit a patient’s needs and highlight improvements, while continuing to reinforce the benefits.

Overcoming barriers

To effectively promote physical activity, it’s important to address potential barriers that older adults might face, including:

• Fear of injury – Reassuring patients about safety measures and starting with low-impact exercises can help alleviate fears.
• Lack of access – Suggesting community resources or at-home exercises can provide solutions for those with limited access to facilities.
• Depression or social isolation – Suggest treatments for depression and offer support services to ease social isolation. Addressing mental health concerns first can help with motivation and consistency with a physical activity regimen.
• Sensory impairments – Possible vision and/or hearing impairment are important to address when working with patients on improving or maintaining physical activity.

According to a report from the Journal of Clinical Outcomes, older adults who have visual and/or hearing impairments are more likely to report difficulty with activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and social interactions, resulting in decreased quality of life.

Educating patients, creating personalized plans, offering encouragement and monitoring progress are key strategies in helping older adults overcome barriers. Routinely engaging your patients in these conversations cannot only lead to improved physical well-being but also contribute to positive mental health outcomes, ensuring that older adults lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Resources and support

Remind your patients to check their health plan benefits to help them stay active. Benefits may include Silver & Fit, along with vision and hearing benefits for patients with sensory impairments. Also, most plans offer mental health services at no cost to your patients. Please note that not all plans offer these benefits so patients should check their evidence of coverage document for more information.

Cigna Healthcare also offers resources to support your efforts, including the Provider Education and Assessment Tools page, which includes assessment tools, community resources, and caregiver support information.

¹ The association of physical activity with loneliness, social isolation, and selected psychological protective factors among older adults, 2022.

² Experiencing Age-Related Vision and Hearing Impairment: The Psychosocial Dimension, 2014.