SCAN Health Plan Exhibits “Trading Ages” at Capitol Hill Health Expo

(WASHINGTON – October 27, 2011) — SCAN Health Plan showcased its “Trading Ages” senior sensitivity program at the Healthcare Innovations Expo this month on Capitol Hill. More than 70 members of Congress and 200 staff members attended the expo, an annual event sponsored by the Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC). SCAN’s “Trading Ages” is an interactive program that lets participants experience some of the physical and emotional challenges that come with aging.

“With society aging and healthcare reform so directly impacting the lives of seniors, we feel that it’s important that our elected officials have a solid understanding of the challenges that come with aging,” said Peter Begans, senior vice president of public and government affairs for SCAN. “We were pleased to have the opportunity to share our award-winning program with members of Congress and their staffs.”

Trading Ages allows participants to experience a series of age‐related conditions such as hearing loss, vision changes and loss of dexterity. The training helps participants understand how challenges associated with aging can affect everyday activities, behaviors and actions. According to past participants, this awareness often translates immediately to increased compassion, patience and ultimately better service.

The Trading Ages program was initially created as a way for SCAN employees to better understand the needs and mindset of its health plan members. In recent years SCAN has taken the program “on the road” and has been making it available free to physician groups, community agencies, schools and other groups interested in enhancing their interactions with older adults.

“Participants are often surprised by their reactions to the (simulated) age-related changes,” said Lena Perelman, director of community outreach for SCAN Health Plan. “By giving them an opportunity to ‘walk in the shoes’ of a senior, we hope to create an awareness that will lead to better policies and services for our nation’s seniors.”

HLC, a coalition of healthcare leaders, believes that members of Congress can make better-informed decisions on important health policy issues if they can see firsthand the new treatments, technologies and medicines that are improving the lives of patients and healthcare consumers.

For more than 30 years, SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of seniors. Further information may be obtained at scanhealthplan.com.