Area Depravation Index In A Cohort Of Older Veterans In Gerofit Exercise Programs

The Gerofit Program, at 33 Veterans Health Administration hospitals nationwide, offers center-based and synchronous virtual exercise for older (65+) Veterans. Veterans receiving care within the VA are known to have increased comorbidities. Health factors related to these comorbidities can be impacted by home environment that can be measured by Area Deprivation Index (ADI). ADI scores measure neighborhood disadvantages through 17 variables over four domains. These domains include education, income/employment, housing, and household characteristics. Higher ADI score(s) have been linked to numerous negative health outcomes. Evaluation of ADI scores in Veterans may better help us plan and develop appropriate healthy aging programs by targeting specific needs. PURPOSE: To characterize the ADI score and physical function of Gerofit participants at baseline from two diverse sites. METHODS: Physical function and ADI scores in Veterans (n = 898) enrolled in the two largest Gerofit program sites (Baltimore, MD & Durham, NC) were examined. ADI scores were characterized as: most disadvantaged (≥ 85), average (16-84), and most advantaged (≤15). RESULTS: - N Age* (yr) BMI (kg/m2) Race*(% AA) Ethnicity (% Hispanic) HTN (%) Diabetes (%) Depression (%) Adherence ≥1 yr (%) Disadvantaged 87 69.3 30.5 79.5 2.27 81.2 47.1 22.4 42.1 Average 791 70.9 31.5 66.5 0.5 82.4 50.6 25.2 44.9 Advantaged 38 74.2 30.5 28.9 2.7 61.1 19.4 19.4 48.7 *p ≤ 0.05 for each group - Gait Speed (m/s) Six Minute Walk (y) 8 Ft Up & Go (s) Chair Stands Arm Curls Disadvantaged 1.08 462 8.26 12 19 Average 1.07 469 7.94 12 19 Advantaged 1.14 510 6.51 12 20 CONCLUSION: While this data set is underpowered, the trends suggest that 10% of this cohort have an ADI score greater than 85. Additionally, this group is younger and has higher prevalence of comorbidities than the group with lowest ADI scores. Additional studies are necessary would be necessary, but these findings point to the need to find additional ways to support the most at-risk veterans for disease related health changes.