03/11/03

U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hears testimony on ways to help seniors maintain health and independence, manage chronic disease, and reduce dependence on costly prescription drugs

Contact: Julie Moriarty
Phone: 202/338-8700

March 11, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging convened today to hear testimony from experts on ways nutrition and fitness can help millions of aging Americans manage chronic disease and maintain good health. Former NFL football star and Chairman of the President's Council on Fitness, Lynn Swann, began the testimony Tuesday morning, and was followed by several nutrition and fitness experts from across the country, including Dr. Jane White of the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI).

The impact of the aging American population is dramatic. In the next 30 years, the population over 65 will almost double to more than 70 million. And as the population ages, millions of individuals will find themselves living with a chronic disease. Right now, eight in 10 people 65 and over have one chronic disease and 50 percent have two or more. Common conditions include hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, among others.

"Millions of Americans suffer from chronic disease, with no relief in sight," said Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. "As America ages, we must find ways to help seniors manage their health and continue to lead active lives."

Chronic disease is taxing both physically and emotionally on individuals and their caregivers. Economically, it can be downright devastating for the chronic disease sufferer and the health care system overall. Annual spending on prescription drugs per senior more than doubled from 1992 to 2000. Thousands reported not filling prescriptions because they have no prescription drug coverage and simply cannot absorb the cost. Overall, chronic diseases cost the United States $300 billion per year -- one third of health care expenditures. The cost to Medicare alone is staggering -- 99 percent of all Medicare spending goes to treat chronic illness.

The good news is that there is substantial scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of nutrition intervention in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. In fact, nine out of 10 people with chronic disease have a condition that could be improved with nutrition intervention. Management of chronic disease through nutrition is the process of applying specific nutrition strategies to prevent, delay or treat the effects of certain diseases. In many cases, specific nutrition practices can reduce or eliminate the need for medication.

"Nutrition therapy offers those with chronic disease a proven method to manage their disease and lead a healthier life," said Dr. Julie O'Sullivan Maillet, president of the American Dietetic Association, "Dietitians are working with physicians to develop effective nutrition plans and help patients who suffer from a wide variety of chronic illnesses."

Currently, only 59 percent of those with chronic diseases use nutrition to manage their conditions, while 81 percent use prescription medications. However, 85 percent of patients want more information from their physicians about ways to manage their disease with nutrition.

"Family physicians are committed to providing their patients with easy to follow nutrition regimens that will improve their health and quality of life," said Dr. James C. Martin, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "Working together with their physicians, individuals can make the change to a healthier lifestyle."

Under the leadership of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) is working to put simple and easy-to-use nutrition information in the hands of doctors and consumers. Recently, NSI distributed A Physician's Guide to Nutrition in Chronic Disease Management for Older Adults. A computerized version for quick reference by physicians on personal digital assistants (PDAs) was also made available.

"Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining the health and vitality of adults as they age," said Dr. Jane White, Professor of Family Medicine, Registered Dietitian, and technical advisor to NSI. "We must ensure that physicians and consumers have the tools they need to effectively manage chronic disease. Optimizing the nutritional status of older adults will help ensure that they are able to live at home and lead healthy, productive lives."

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The Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) works to improve the nutritional status of older Americans with chronic disease by advocating regular nutrition screening and interventions as a routine part of American health care. NSI is a partnership of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Dietetic Association. NSI is funded in part through a grant from Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories.