OPIOID, MENTAL HEALTH, CARDIAC, DIABETES AND LIPID MEDICATION USE REDUCED AFTER 1-YEAR IN GEROFIT

Background: Gerofit, an exercise and health promotion program for older Veterans ages 65+ with documented improvements in fitness, function, longevity, and well-being, is now being disseminated to 13 VA medical centers around the country. Evidence of its impact beyond the above is needed. Methods: We examined changes in medication usages following 12-months of supervised exercise among participants in the Durham Gerofit program from 1999–2017. Results: 453 of 480 of patients reaching 12-month follow-up were on 1 or more medications at enrollment. At 12 months, 77 of 164 patients (47%) on opioid medications at baseline, reduced their number of opioid medications by one or more. Similar reductions; 36%, 32%, 22%, and 22% were noted at 12 months for patients on mental health, cardiac, diabetes and lipid lowering medications, respectively (average 32% reduction across categories). Implications: Findings indicate potential high impact of Gerofit and the need for a return-on-investment analysis.