Recorded presentation

Rosalie F. Young, MA, PhD, School of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Wayne State University, 4201 St. Antoine, University Health Center, Detroit, MI 48201, 313-577-6681, ryoung@med.wayne.edu, Richard Kaczynski, PhD, Psychiatry, Yale University, 950 CAmpbell Ave., VA-COnnecticut Health Care, New Haven, CT 06516, Kimberly Campbell-Voytal, PhD, Community Medicine, Wayne State University, 4201 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201, and John B. Waller, DrPH, Community Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4201 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201.

Background: Age increases the risk of diabetes mortality and complications, but the disease has great potential for self-management. Good self-care practices significantly reduce the prevalence of poor outcomes. This study investigated age aspects of self-management and their subsequent effect on psychosocial and health status, in older and younger people with diabetes. Method: 686 subjects with diabetes (M age 62) were enrolled in a 9 week community-based education and behavioral change program. Results: Age had a significant impact on self-management, psychosocial, and health outcomes. Results contradicted age stereotypes: 1) subjects aged 50-64 showed more behavioral change and compliance with a self-care regimen than a younger cohort; 2) subjects aged 50-90 showed more gain in diabetes knowledge than the youngest group; 3) the oldest cohort (aged 65-90) showed significant gains in diabetes knowledge, self care, social support. health locus of control, and lowered their blood pressure more than either younger group. Conclusion: Age was inversely related to health risk and poor psychosocial status among subjects who completed a structured self-management program. The 50-64 year old cohort achieved the most gain but the oldest group shared many health and psychosocial gains. Demonstration of clear benefits to people aged 50-90 with diabetes indicates they should be a target population for programs to manage chronic disease.

Learning Objectives:

• Realize the age-related differences in chronic disease management that favor older people.
• Understand the inappropriateness of age-related sterotypes.
• Identify the best age group for health promotion and self-management education in persons with diabetes.

Keywords: Elderly,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation