Health plans can also integrate personal interaction into online physical fitness programs by incorporating social interaction features. These alternatives are especially attractive to seniors with mobility issues. While brain training programs naturally lend themselves to a digital environment, health plans should feature virtual social interaction possibilities as well.
#Are there any contraindications for using brain gym program free#
To meet those demands, health plans can offer a wide variety of free health events where members can interact with each other,” said Vince Pozinski, head of government product, Optum Health Solutions. They’re also interested in sleep seminars, cooking clubs, attending guest lectures or learning about the newest health trends. “Working up a sweat is one way that seniors want to increase their wellness. In addition, plans can up the social quotient by introducing fitness programs that integrate personal interaction. To meet the diverse interests of seniors, plans should have a range of activities including arts and crafts, dance, gardening, knitting, painting, drawing and sewing. Health plans can help by matching members with local social clubs and events based on their interests. Coming out of the pandemic, though, there is even more isolation and a greater need for interaction,” said Hanson. This type of social isolation has always been a factor. For some, they may be living in different parts of the country. “For many seniors, their kids have grown up and moved out of the house. Unfortunately, many find themselves isolated. To stay healthy, seniors also need to interact socially. In addition, members can proceed at a comfortable pace as difficulty levels increase and decrease in response to their actual performance levels. With personalized programs, members can choose activities that target specific cognitive skills. To do this, health plans need to go beyond just typical brain games like sudoku and crossword puzzles and actually offer retention programs that help improve aspects of cognition, such as memory, attention, focus and brain speed,” he explained. “These programs can help members move the cognitive fitness needle forward. When brain training is included in wellness programs, seniors can exercise mental muscles as well as bodily ones.
2įindings like these serve as a call to action for Medicare Advantage plans to add brain health and social connection features to their ancillary wellness services, according to Brett Hanson, head of market and product development, Optum Health Solutions. 1 Social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 50% increase in dementia risk, a 29% increase in heart disease risk and a 32% increase in stroke risk. Reading, writing and playing games in later life could delay the onset of dementia by up to 5 years. Addressing brain health and social connections
0 kommentar(er)
