Health Net Reminds Older Americans: Smart Decisions Today Lead to Healthier Tomorrows

LOS ANGELES. - May is Older Americans Month, and Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) wants to remind senior citizens that smart decisions throughout the year can help lead to better health for years to come.

“By 2030, one in every five Americans will be age 65 or older. The good news is that, although the risk of disease increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence,” said Jonathan Scheff, M.D., chief medical officer of Health Net, Inc. “Older adults can help prevent or control chronic disease by adopting healthy habits, such as exercising regularly.”

The benefits of regular physical activity include weight control; healthy bones, muscles and joints; arthritis relief; reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and more. Exercise does not have to be strenuous and is safe for people of all age groups.

Seniors who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan should use its preventive care benefits – such as routine physicals, flu vaccines, bone density testing and more. Some plans, such as Health Net, even offer the value-added benefit of a fitness center membership.

“Earlier this year, to encourage more members to take advantage of this benefit, Health Net of California hosted ‘Get Fit Friday’ across the state for members and potential members to encourage them to exercise on a regular basis,” said Arthur Kummer, vice president of Medicare Programs for Health Net of California. “Of the more than 400 individuals who attended, more than 40 took the opportunity to sign up for a covered gym benefit.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, in addition to a regular exercise routine, good nutrition is vital in maintaining good health. Reducing saturated fats and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains can help older adults stay healthy. Local senior centers also offer exercise classes and healthy lunch programs.

According to Dr. Scheff, regular exercise, good nutrition and using the preventive benefits of their Medicare plan can improve the health and well-being of our nation’s seniors and also help pave the way for staying young at heart.