In May 2024, Quality Insights, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) hosted the Senior Summer Olympics at Family Services-Upper Ohio Valley Senior Center in Wheeling, WV. The goal of the five-week series was to have discussions about healthy lifestyle choices in a fun and friendly environment while increasing socialization and participation among attendees. By integrating engaging activities with valuable educational content, the event set a new standard for organizing wellness events for seniors.
Promoting Heart Health, Fitness, and Preventive Care
Staying heart healthy is critical to senior wellness, and what better way to do it than through fun and engaging activities? Regular exercise, especially when it's enjoyable, can reduce the risk of heart disease, which is a concern for older adults. By making fitness a part of daily life, seniors can boost their energy, improve their cardiovascular health, and feel better overall. Focusing on preventive health, like getting routine immunizations, helps protect against illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.
A Month of Wellness and Fun
The series was structured around 45-minute sessions of Olympic “training.” Participants engaged in two activities per week designed to boost heart rate, coordination and balance. Resources and educational discussions on maintaining healthy lifestyle choices while preparing for the Senior Summer Olympics complemented these exercise sessions. Pre- and post-tests measured participants’ understanding of the education provided.
- Week one focused on heart health and included activities such as the javelin throw and ring toss. Alongside the physical exercises, participants learned about healthy eating and foods for reducing the risk of high blood pressure. The average pre-test score was 50 percent and increased to 83 percent following the session.
- Week two highlighted fitness and included activities such as target practice with footballs and volleyball spikes using balloons. Participants also learned about chair yoga and seated exercises. The average pre- and post-test score for week two was 100 percent.
- Week three emphasized preventive care and featured putt-putt golf and target practice. Discussions highlighted Medicare Annual Wellness Visits and preventive services. The average pre-test score was 60 percent and increased to 100 percent following the session.
- Week four featured mini basketball-pong and frisbee balancing relay races. Participants learned about the importance of immunizations, particularly those recommended for seniors including pneumonia and influenza. The average pre-test score, which gauged participants’ knowledge of recommended vaccines, was 25 percent and increased to 100 percent following the session.
Senior Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
Four weeks of training culminated in an hour-long “closing ceremony” featuring all eight activities from the series and a review of the education provided. Participants also set summer goals for diet, exercise, and care coordination. Pre- and post-test scores on the material covered over the four-week period were a perfect 100%, demonstrating strong retention of knowledge among participants.
Impact and Feedback
The positive impact of the Senior Summer Olympics is evident in the feedback Quality Insights received from participants. One shared that she has significantly reduced her need for pain medication since engaging in Quality Insights' weekly sessions. Previously taking four daily pain pills, she now manages with two. Another participant reported substantial improvements in managing her blood pressure thanks to lifestyle changes encouraged through Quality Insights sessions. Aligning her diet with the DASH Diet, frequently discussed in the program, contributed to this positive shift.
These testimonies highlight the tangible benefits of the program in improving participants' health and quality of life. The significant improvements in knowledge retention and the 100 percent satisfaction rate from participants demonstrates the series’ positive impact on their health and wellbeing. Reflecting on the impact of the partnership with Quality Insights, Paula Calvert, MBA, CEO of Family Services-Upper Ohio Valley, shared, "The partnership with Antanette from Quality Insights has been life-changing for our clients. The reduction of social isolation, the new friendships that have formed, and the reduction of medications have been amazing to witness. I recommend community partnerships due to the impacts for all involved."