SAN DIEGO, Feb. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Silver&Fit program, an exercise and healthy aging service offered by national health services company American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), recently announced impressive member outcomes. Detailed in the white paper titled "Silver&Fit Participants: Are They Happy and Healthy?," the survey findings touch on members' health status, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity levels, usual activities/independent living habits, health conditions, health care utilization, and coping skills/quality of life.
From a sample of 1,948 randomly selected Silver&Fit members, 67.7 percent responded to the survey, mailed in February 2010. Members included participants from the Silver&Fit Full, Basic, and Home Fitness Programs. Results were then compared to national benchmark data points from the 2009 National Health Information Survey (NHIS) conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the State of Aging and Health in America (SAHA) report, and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), as well as baseline data from the same 2009 survey. As compared to the national benchmark populations, the Silver&Fit population is slightly older, averaging 72 years. Yet, the surveys find that the Silver&Fit population is both healthier and more physically active and fit when compared to a national cohort of similar age.
The survey indicates that:
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A higher percentage of Silver&Fit members report very good to excellent health
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A lower percentage of Silver&Fit members report fair to poor health
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A lower percentage of Silver&Fit members smoke cigarettes
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The degree of physical activity among Silver&Fit members is much higher at all levels and parameters
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A lower percentage of Silver&Fit members have significant physical limitations or have difficulties with activities of daily living
- There are small differences (mostly in favor of Silver&Fit members) in the rates of co-morbidities. The most marked differences are in:
- Heart disease
- COPD
- Headache disorders
- Back and neck pain
- Based on available data, Silver&Fit members appear to utilize health care providers less frequently
Silver&Fit members report that they are in better health than they were one year ago, and they also report increased activity levels and reduced health care utilization.
For more information about Silver&Fit, please contact a National Sales Manager at 800.848.3555. To obtain a free copy of the white paper, please contact Rachel Frank by emailing rachelf@ashn.com or calling 800.848.3555 (x3987).
About Silver&Fit and American Specialty Health
As part of the Silver&Fit program, members have access to:
- No-cost memberships at a comprehensive American Specialty Health Networks-contracted network of fitness clubs and exercise centers
- The Silver&Fit Home Fitness Program for those who are unable to participate at a fitness facility or prefer to work out at home
- SilverandFit.com, a website with a variety of health tools and resources specifically designed for older adults
- The Silver Slate®, a quarterly newsletter
- A toll-free customer service hotline to answer questions about the program
The Silver&Fit program is provided through American Specialty Health Networks, Inc. and Healthyroads, Inc., subsidiaries of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). ASH is a national health and wellness company that provides prevention and wellness services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego, ASH has more than 800 employees and covers nearly 26 million members.
For more information about the products and services offered by ASH and its subsidiaries, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call (800) 848-3555. Follow us at Twitter.com/ASHCompanies and Twitter.com/Healthyroads.