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Witnesses urge Congress to expand evidence‑based wellness programs for older Americans
Summary
Researchers and gerontology experts told the Senate Aging Committee that expanding and better funding evidence‑based health promotion programs, strengthening distribution channels and incentivizing Medicare Advantage to cover wellness supports could improve health outcomes and reduce downstream costs.
Dr. Susan Hughes, director of the Center for Research on Health and Aging at the University of Illinois Chicago, told the Senate Special Committee on Aging that evidence‑based health promotion programs reduce disability and can produce large returns if scaled.
Hughes said, "Fit and Strong costs $300 per participant. It has no harmful side effects and large effect sizes." She described the program’s eight‑week curriculum (flexibility, aerobics, systematic lower‑extremity strength training and group problem solving) and said trial participants sustained gains at 18 months, including improved joint pain, strength and…
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