Arizona Living Well (AzLW) Program
About
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Why participate in Arizona Living Well?
In 2011 the first of the nation's 78 million Baby Boomers starts to turn 65. In the next 20 years, an additional 500,000 older adults will be added to Arizona's population, boosting the number to over 1 million. Approximately 20% of the population will be over 60.
Poor health is frequently associated with older adults; but it is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Although hereditary and environmental factors impact health, it is estimated 50 to 60% of the primary influences for the development of chronic disease are choices in lifestyle behaviors.
Reducing risk factors associated with chronic conditions and diseases such as being physically inactive, smoking and poor nutrition are important. If a chronic disease has already been diagnosed it is important for each older adult to understand and take an active role in the management of the chronic condition.
Why are Evidence-Based Programs necessary?
An evidence based program uses a process of planning, implementing, and evaluating programs adapted from tested models or interventions in order to address health issues.
The evidence based health promotion programs supported by Arizona Living Well are:
- Healthy Living - a program that is designed to help individuals with chronic diseases or conditions develop self-management skills.
- Enhance Fitness - a community-based group exercise course for older adults.
Arizona Living Well supports these programs in three counties in Arizona by providing opportunities for master training, networking, programming, and the development of statewide infrastructure for evidence based health promotion programming. Arizona Living Well activities are coordinated with the Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services and the Department of Health Services, Bureau of Tobacco Education, Prevention and Chronic Disease Prevention.