6 Highroads Living - Volume 10 • Issue 4
HighroadsLiving.com
Cathy Jarrett
Serving Blairsville, Hiawassee, Clayton, & Surrounding Areas
Licensed in GA, NC, TN, FL
www.cathyjarrett.com cathy@cathyjarrett.com
Licensed Insurance Agent
MEDICARE SOLUTIONS
Medicare Advantage • Medicare Part D • Medicare Supplemental • Special Needs Plans
LIFE INSURANCE
Fixed Annuities • Term Life • Whole Life • Universal & Indexed Universal Life Small Group Benefits • Individual Health Coverage Options • Health Share Ministry Plans
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION: 706-781-7832 I make it easier to understand all of the options available on an individual basis. The “best plan” may be different for each person. That’s why it’s so important to have a professional who understands insurance inside and out, and who can ask all the right questions in order to research whta is best for YOU. Plan reviews are needed to keep you on the best plan for YOUR needs.”
Kim Farmer Insurance Offices: 411 Hwy 515W • Blairsville, GA 375 N. Main St • Hiawassee, GA 117 S. Main St • Clayton GA
STAYING FIT IN RETIREMENT
I
can reduce health care costs
t’s no secret that staying physically active supports overall well-being, especially for older adults. From reducing risks of certain conditions like heart disease and diabetes to minimizing injury and helping maintain independence, exercise is essential to supporting health and wellness as you age. Another noteworthy but often unrecognized benefit of regular exercise is that it improves overall health, which can result in lower healthcare costs. Improved health, lower health care costs and reduced hospital stays are some of the benefits enjoyed by active seniors, according to a recent nationwide study by Avalere Health and Tivity Health, a national provider of senior fitness, nutrition and healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers, a community fitness program designed for older adults. The study compared new SilverSneakers participants and closely matched non-participating Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. So how much are healthcare costs reduced by participating in this program? The study’s findings showed the total cost of medical care for participants to be 16% lower than for
non-participants and total annual average health expenses among participants to be $4,463 compared to $5,303 for nonparticipants. That can make a big difference, especially for people with fixed incomes. Part of this reduction in costs includes fewer visits to the hospital, which can be expensive. After starting the program, participants experienced a significant 42% fewer hospital stays and 18% fewer ER visits compared to Medicare Advantage non-participants. Length of stay for hospitalizations was also significantly shorter for participants: 4.4 days compared to 5.8 days for non-participants. “This research shows that seniors who are regularly engaged in more healthy behaviors enjoy improved health outcomes and lower health care costs compared to those who do not incorporate exercise in their daily routine,” said Julie Logue, fitness expert and senior trainer at Tivity Health. “More than just exercise, the impact of senior fitness is also emotional and social, providing older adults an opportunity to make meaningful connections with others.”
