Walking program now available to seniors at the Dallas Humana Guidance Center and online after pilot showed improved health outcomes
Humana Medicare Advantage members and seniors in general now have a new option to improve their health and well-being through walking and socializing with the launch of the Humana Active Outlook® Walking Program. The walking program is free of charge and available at the Dallas Humana Guidance Center, as well as in 17 markets across the U.S. and online.
Humana is gearing up the national walking program this month after the pilot program showed promising results. The six-month pilot, which began in November 2011, enrolled more than 1,000 seniors who took 173.5 million steps, walked 66,624 miles (equivalent to 2.5 laps around the earth at the equator) and burned nearly 3 million calories. Local Humana Guidance Centers will be holding walks and other events throughout the summer to encourage participant activity and recognize their efforts.
Seniors are encouraged to join the walking groups, which meet at least once per week at the Guidance Centers, for instructor-led group walks and to learn proper walking and stretching techniques. Each participant will receive a free pedometer at signup to track their steps and calories burned. At the end of each outing, participants upload their steps at a Guidance Center computer kiosk, which tracks steps taken, distance and calories burned.
“The Humana Active Outlook Walking Program is another way for us to provide a meaningful service and engage face to face with seniors in communities where they live to improve their physical and mental health at the same time,” said Emily Allen, director of Consumer Experience for Humana. “We are inspired by the success of the pilot and encourage all of our members and seniors in general to take part in this free wellness program.”
The program aims to positively impact seniors’ health by motivating and engaging them to take action and improve their fitness level and mental outlook by walking. Each local walking program will include variety on the walks by taking the groups through different environments, such as local parks, sports complexes, malls and other accessible areas.
Many participants are reporting improved health outcomes – both physical and mental – from participating in the pilot walking program. One participant, over time, was able to participate in walks without her cane; another is encouraged by the pedometer to get moving outdoors more often; a former smoker increased her stamina, breathes easier and lost six pounds; and several participants who lost loved ones reported feeling better and less lonely after the group walks.
For a look at the Humana Active Outlook Walking Program, including testimonials from some of the participants, check out the short video on Humana’s YouTube channel:
To learn more about the program or to sign up, seniors can contact the Humana Active Outlook at 1-800-817-7413. Participants are invited to attend a “Walking Orientation” at their local Humana Guidance Center, meet the Walking Instructors and other participants, and pick up their pedometers.
