Linking older Iowans to evidence based health promotion programs

Iowa is a mostly rural state with nearly 20% of its population over 60 years old. Most seniors have one or more chronic conditions. Learning how to self manage these conditions maintains independence and reduces health care utilization. Though chronic diseases are different, symptoms are similar and methodology in coping techniques is comparable.

Iowa Department of Elder Affairs and Iowa Department of Public Health are implementing the Stanford Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) with three area agencies on aging and their county public health departments. Funding is provided by the Administration on Aging and administered by the National Council on Aging. This program targets older adults in community settings. Through CDSMP workshops older adults are learning to manage their chronic conditions in order to lead a more active life, reduce doctor visits, and hospitalizations.

Participants attend six sessions led by lay leaders, who also have chronic conditions. Participants develop action plans to resolve their problems and are evaluated at baseline, six months, and year two. Data is compiled and analyzed in a customized data base developed by Des Moines Medical University. This multi-level evaluation tool was developed using standardized items from Stanford University, BRFSS, AoA/NCOA, and others.

Stanford CDSMP outcomes have demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, exercise, self-reported health, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations. There was a trend toward fewer visits and hospitalizations. This successful program is garnering attention. Iowa Healthy Links project seeks to expand evidence based health promotion programs statewide.