Journal of Health & Medical Economics

The Positive Impact Of Physical Activity On Objective And Subjective Health Condition Of Elderly People In Nursing Homes. Evidence From A Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial In Four Countries

Title Happier Elderly Residents. The positive impact of physical activity on objective and subjective health condition of elderly people in nursing homes. Evidence from a multi-site randomized controlled trial. Background The share of elderly people in developed countries has risen considerably, and so has the demand for long term care, including residential care. The quality of life of older people living in institutions have become urgent questions. This study explores the effects of adapted physical exercise programs in nursing homes. The wide scope of this study, in terms of sites, countries, and measured outcomes, brings generality to previously existing evidence. Methods and Findings We use data from 452 participants followed over 12 months in 32 retirement homes in four European countries.We apply a difference-in-difference with individual random effects statistical model, as well as individual fixed-effects models, and a first-difference models. The program improved residents’ balance test scores, performance scores in everyday-life activities, and self-assessed autonomy in daily activities. It also improved residents’ self- assessed health (EuroQol-5) and reduced the prevalence of the feeling that “life is emptyâ€Â (Geriatric Depression Scale). Besides, it reduced by 13% the number of persons who refused care (Aggressive Behavior Scale). The most impressive impact of the program is the prevention of falls. Estimates with full controls show that the program halved the number of falls, i.e. led on average to one fewer fall every year per person. Conclusions A simple calculation, in the case of France, suggests that such programs are highly cost- efficient. The cost-benefit analysis of the fall avoidance allowed by the program if it were generalized in France showed a net benefit per year in the range of e421 million to e771 millions.

Author(s):

Claudia Senik , Carine Milcent, Chlo ́e Gerves-Pinqui ́e, Guglielmo Zappal`a, and Patricia Dargent-Molina

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