Utah seniors lose ground

WASHINGTON — Utah's seniors are not getting enough exercise and they aren't eating right.

But Utahns 65 and older have the lowest smoking rate in the nation at 4.8 percent, they get screened for a variety of cancers and they get their flu and pneumonia shots, according to a new study released today by the Merck Institute of Aging and Health in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study measured states' senior populations against federal standards in 15 categories.

"The report clearly shows that while most older Americans are receiving some preventive services, the majority are not engaging in healthy behaviors which could reduce their risk for disability and illness," said Terrie Fox Wetle, president of the Gerontological Society of America.

Some seniors, like Bob Rohr, 81, of Kaysville, have taken the health message to heart. He's single, independent and dedicated to staying well. Every other day, the veteran rides a stationary bike for five miles at the Hill Air Force Base fitness center. In his gym at home, he lifts weights and does calisthenics. But his real secret, he laughs, "is good, clean living. Don't smoke, watch what you eat and exercise."

To keep his mind strong, so he reads two or three books a week and works as a senior companion to 16 people who are more frail and, in some cases, younger than he is, through Davis County Aging Services.

Minnie Cook of Clearfield is, at 83, less mobile than Rohr. She's had five strokes, a knee replaced and two shoulder surgeries. Even though she wears a brace, she exercises. It started as rehabilitation for her stroke. Now she sits in her chair and uses her exercycle to build strength. She walks daily, using a walker for stability.

She also cooks for herself and focuses on good nutrition, she said.

She's not totally independent. She has limited daily home health assistance.

Her secret for longevity? "Trust in the Lord and he will bless you."

They are two sides of one coin, both relatively healthy but requiring different levels of help. They are also both more healthy than many older Utahns.

Generally, Utah fared pretty well in the study, as it does in most health studies. But it is slipping when compared to progress made by other states that moved up in the rankings. In eight of the 14 categories, Utah's population was below the national average.

Hawaii was deemed the healthiest state for older Americans and Kentucky the least healthy.