Seniors Growing Bigger

With the new report out stating more Americans are obese than ever, the challenges in the future for individuals and the healthcare system are going to be daunting. And obesity rates among adults rose in 23 states over the past year, and no state experienced a significant decline. While the nation has long been bracing for a surge in Medicare as the boomers start turning 65, the new report makes clear that fat, not just age, will fuel much of those bills. In every state, the rate of obesity is higher among 55- to 64-year-olds — the oldest boomers — than among today's 65-and-beyond. Obesity is the leading cause for other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

SCS offers many options for seniors to help combat this national issue. Through the eight neighborhood senior centers, for example, participants may join in the health related classes: exercise, nutrition, and the Stanford Chronic Disease Self Management Program. This program, in particular, helps individuals learn how to better live with their chronic disease while offering solutions to combat it. Many of the participants have regained control of their diseases – many have been able to cease high blood pressure medicines and insulin (under their doctor’s orders).

-- by Patrick O'Kane, Director of Operations