Comparing health status with healthy habits in elderly assisted-living residents.

There is a growing number of older adults in America. Assisted-living facilities have become a more prevalent residence for this increasing population. In the study described in this article, a secondary data analysis was completed using residents of several LifeTrust America, Inc.,'s assisted-living facilities across the Southeastern United States. There were 1,079 residents who completed the Healthy Generation Survey. Residents were asked whether they currently, previously, or had never had certain health conditions. They also responded to various questions about their current participation in healthy habits, such as using cigarette or tobacco products, moderate alcohol consumption, eating breakfast, eating healthy snacks, getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night, drinking the daily recommended amount of water, and participating in regular physical exercise. The research question asked if there was a relationship between current healthy habits and physical health. The study found that individuals with more current physical health conditions also reported greater participation in healthy habits. This could lead to the conclusion that after individuals acquired certain physical health conditions, they began to participate in more healthy habits. Also of significance was the finding that participation in physical exercise and recreational activity related to greater participation in all other healthy habits.