LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new, nationwide survey of adults age 60 and older conducted by leading health and well-being company Humana
Inc. (NYSE: HUM) reveals that aging Americans who are most socially “engaged” (defined as participating in social activities at least once a week) report higher levels of good health than respondents who are least engaged. In addition, the most engaged and least engaged respondents showed a significant difference in proactive pursuit of care.
Humana conducted a survey to explore seniors’ attitudes and behaviors guiding lifestyle choices and overall health. For this population, the importance of social engagement and the role it may play in perceived levels of health and wellness came to light. In fact, when examining survey results, 88 percent of the most socially engaged group report their health is good to excellent, versus only 70 percent of the least engaged group.
“In an age in which isolation is a concern, this survey gives us real-life confirmation that social engagement is truly important when it comes to healthy aging,” said Dr. Yolangel Hernandez-Suarez, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Humana’s Care Delivery Organization. “These findings show that taking a proactive approach and staying connected is critical when it comes to both emotional and physical well-being.”
Respondents reporting higher levels of social engagement also say they take more proactive steps toward improving their overall health and wellness.
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For example, a higher percentage of most engaged respondents (83 percent) report getting a physical exam once a year, versus the least engaged respondents (66 percent).
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The least engaged respondents also are less likely to receive yearly eye exams or dental care when compared with their most engaged counterparts.
In addition, the baseline level of health reported by respondents affects other aspects of their health and wellness journey.
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Respondents reporting good health are more likely to get a yearly physical exam (83 percent) than least healthy respondents (67 percent).
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Most healthy respondents are significantly more likely to partake in regular moderate exercise (81 percent) than those who are least healthy (48 percent).
The survey findings are especially noteworthy during this particular time of year, when people with Medicare are able to make key decisions about their health care coverage. The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period is now underway, with the Dec. 7, 2017 closing deadline fast-approaching. (For those living in areas affected by recent hurricanes, the government’s Medicare agency has granted a Special Enrollment Period [SEP]. More information on SEP can be found at
www.CMS.gov.)
When it comes to selecting the right health plan, the first step for those who are Medicare-eligible is to review their current needs and health goals. Individuals should also consider what health care needs they may have in the future, as well as the additional offerings they may be seeking in a Medicare Advantage plan.
“The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period is a very important time for people with Medicare who are looking to take charge of their overall health,” said Dr. Hernandez-Suarez. “At Humana, we understand that everyone has different needs, and as such, selecting the right plan can be challenging. That’s why we have resources available online and by phone, and we can even send a licensed agent to your home to help walk you through the process in person.”
For more information on Medicare, please visit http://www.Medicare.gov or www.Humana.com/Medicare.
About the Survey
This survey includes 1,000 responses from U.S. adults aged 60 and older. Respondents met nationally-representative quotas for age, gender and geographical region. The study was conducted online between Sept. 26 – Oct. 11, 2017, and was designed to understand seniors’ perceptions and management of their health.
About Humana
Humana Inc. is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.
To accomplish that, we support physicians and other health care professionals as they work to deliver the right care in the right place for their patients, our members. Our range of clinical capabilities, resources and tools – such as in-home care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, data analytics and wellness solutions – combine with the goal of producing a simplified experience that makes health care easier to navigate and more effective.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
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Annual reports to stockholders
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Securities and Exchange Commission filings
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Most recent investor conference presentations
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Quarterly earnings news releases and conference calls
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Calendar of events
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Corporate Governance information
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization and stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 each year. The provider network may change at any time. Impacted members receive notice when necessary.
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