Abstract
Background/Aims We describe the percentages of seniors taking health actions to promote healthy aging; how well they are achieving recommended goals; and whether healthcare provider advice influences behavior.
Methods We analyzed weighted self-report survey data for approximately 6600 respondents aged 65+ to the 2011 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Member Health Survey.
Results Differences noted are significant at P <.05: (1) 73% (77%W, 68%M) try to eat mostly healthy foods. Those who try are more likely to eat 3+ servings of fruit/vegetables per day (64%W, 45%M vs. 35%W, 24%M), but <1/4 (23%W, 15%M) consume 5+ servings. “Triers” are more likely to report most of the time trying to eat reduced fat foods (65% vs. 29%) and avoiding foods high in salt/sodium (75% vs. 40%), and also more likely to read food labels/recipes (70%W, 57%M vs. 28%W, 16%M). (2) 55% (51%W, 59%M) try to exercise most days (44% moderate exercise, 11% nonaerobic walks). Effort to get daily exercise declines with age. Most (90%) who try report exercising 3+ times/week (vs. 33% of “nontriers”), but only 53% of “triers” (56%M, 49%W) exercise 5+ times/week. (3) 51% of overweight seniors are trying to lose weight/maintain weight loss. (4) 39% (46%W, 30%M) and 57% (62%W, 50%M) of those at high risk (recent fall history or balance/gait problem) are taking actions to reduce risk of falling. (5) 65% try to get enough sleep. (6) “Triers” are more likely to report getting advice about diet (67% vs. 58%), losing weight (66% vs. 45%), reducing fall risk (83% vs. 43%), and getting enough sleep (82% vs. 64%). (7) 71% do activities to keep their brain stimulated; 63% visit people at least once a week, and 64% do enjoyable activities at least once a week, but this declines with age. (8) 47% of seniors take low-dose aspirin for CVD prevention.
Conclusions Large percentages of seniors are trying to engage in health protective behaviors, but many who are trying are falling short of recommended health behavior goals. Healthcare provider advice appears to influence patient motivation, supporting the utility of health behavior assessment and wellness counseling for seniors.
