State Representatives Experience Effects of Aging
During SCAN Health Plan Arizona “Trading Ages” Program
(PHOENIX, Ariz. – December 16, 2011) — Six legislators as well as several key state staffers took part in SCAN Health Plan Arizona's “Trading Ages” senior-sensitivity program in Phoenix this week. Trading Ages, an interactive program developed by SCAN, provides insight into some of the physical and emotional challenges that come with aging.
Trading Ages allows participants to experience a series of age-related conditions such as hearing loss, vision changes and loss of dexterity. The training underscores 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.
“As legislators it is important that we gain an in-depth understanding of issues associated with aging, as it allows us to use that knowledge to better represent Arizona’s seniors,” noted Sen. Nancy Barto (R-7), chairwoman, Arizona Senate Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform Committee.
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 offered the program to other community groups, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, Brookline College of Allied Health, Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center and DMTS Transportation.
“SCAN Health Plan’s Trading Ages program provides a firsthand look at the challenges people face as they age, which allows all of us to identify solutions that best meet seniors’ needs,” added Sen. Linda Lopez (D-29), ranking Democrat on the Senate Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform Committee. In addition to senators Lopez and Barto, other legislators who participated in the training included Sen. Linda Gray (R-10), Rep. Heather Carter (R-7), Rep. Cecil Ash (R-18) and Rep. Katie Hobbs.
“As our community ages, it is more relevant than ever that we all become more aware of how to best serve seniors,” said Elizabeth Russell, CEO of SCAN Health Plan Arizona. “We are honored that these community leaders took the time to participate in Trading Ages and learn more about the unique challenges seniors face, which is highly relevant to the work legislators do every day.”
For more than 30 years, SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of people with Medicare and today is the fourth-largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan in the United States. SCAN Health Plan Arizona serves approximately 15,000 members in Maricopa and Pima counties. Further information is available at scanhealthplan.com.
Members of the news media may contact:
Carol Stevenson
818-597-8453, ext. 3
carols@kevinross.net.
