Health services utilization and cost utility analysis of a walking program for residential community elderly.

Promoting the health and improving the ability and confidence of the elderly to live independently can reduce health care expenditures and increase the health of society as a whole. However, the evidence to promote physical activity in order to promote health among the aged population is weak, especially in regards to the economic evaluation of a walking program. These researchers confirmed that the cost utility of a 12-week walking training program is acceptable. Therefore, an outpatient clinic-based walking program for older adults is worth promoting. Cost utility analysis is the critical evaluation method in exercise programs. Health professionals are encouraged to apply the integrated indicators such as the Health Utility Index and the Incremental Cost Utility Ratio to clarify the effects of health-promotion interventions.