Opioid, Mental Health, Cardiac, Diabetes and Lipid Medication Use Reduced After 1-year in Gerofit
Year: 2018
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Background: Gerofit, an exercise and health promotion program for older Veterans ages 65+ with documented improvements in fitness, function, longevity, and well-being, is now being disseminated to 13 VA medical centers around the country. Evidence of its impact beyond the above is needed. Methods: We examined changes in medication usages following 12-months of supervised exercise among participants in the Durham Gerofit program from 1999–2017. Results: 453 of 480 of patients reaching 12-month follow-up were on 1 or more medications at enrollment. At 12 months, 77 of 164 patients (47%) on opioid medications at baseline, reduced their number of opioid medications by one or more. Similar reductions; 36%, 32%, 22%, and 22% were noted at 12 months for patients on mental health, cardiac, diabetes and lipid lowering medications, respectively (average 32% reduction across categories). Implications: Findings indicate potential high impact of Gerofit and the need for a return-on-investment analysis.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Institutions: Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2899632556