Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Older U.S. Adults with Disabilities
Author Information
Author(s): Lisa C McGuire, Tara W Strine, Catherine A Okoro, Indu B Ahluwalia, Earl S Ford
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between healthy behaviors and the prevalence of chronic diseases in older adults with disabilities?
Conclusion
Older adults with disabilities are less likely to have a healthy weight and engage in recommended physical activity, but they are more likely to be nonsmokers and receive certain vaccinations.
Supporting Evidence
- People with disabilities were less likely to have a healthy weight compared to those without disabilities.
- Older adults with disabilities were more likely to be nonsmokers.
- Older adults with disabilities had higher rates of receiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
Takeaway
Older people with disabilities often don't exercise enough or maintain a healthy weight, but they tend to not smoke and get their vaccinations.
Methodology
Data from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was analyzed to assess healthy weight and six lifestyle behaviors among older adults.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of those without telephones or with cognitive limitations.
Limitations
The cross-sectional nature of the data does not allow for causal relationships to be established, and results may not be generalizable to all older adults.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily female, aged 65 to 74, non-Hispanic white, married, and had varying levels of education and income.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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