Kerry Sargent-Cox1, Nicolas Cherbuin2, Lara Morris2, Peter Butterworth2, Kaarin J Anstey2. 1. Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Australia. Electronic address: Kerry.Sargent-Cox@anu.edu.au. 2. Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: While it is clear that health behaviors are related to self-rated health (SRH), it is less clear if maintaining positive behaviors, or improving, can protect SRH over time. METHOD: SRH trajectories were modeled in a large representative Australian sample (n=7485 at baseline), of three age cohorts (20-24, 40-44 and 60-64 years at baseline; 1999, 2000 & 2001 respectively), over an 8 year period. Change in smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity on SRH trajectories were examined, controlling for demographic, physical and mental health factors. RESULTS: SRH became poorer over time across the sample. Being a non-smoker was associated with more positive SRH levels across all groups. Maintaining or increasing moderate physical activity was associated with less decline in SRH. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the benefits of positive health behaviors, particularly performing regular physical activity over time, for reducing the risk of subjective health becoming poorer across the adult life course.
OBJECTIVE: While it is clear that health behaviors are related to self-rated health (SRH), it is less clear if maintaining positive behaviors, or improving, can protect SRH over time. METHOD:SRH trajectories were modeled in a large representative Australian sample (n=7485 at baseline), of three age cohorts (20-24, 40-44 and 60-64 years at baseline; 1999, 2000 & 2001 respectively), over an 8 year period. Change in smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity on SRH trajectories were examined, controlling for demographic, physical and mental health factors. RESULTS:SRH became poorer over time across the sample. Being a non-smoker was associated with more positive SRH levels across all groups. Maintaining or increasing moderate physical activity was associated with less decline in SRH. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the benefits of positive health behaviors, particularly performing regular physical activity over time, for reducing the risk of subjective health becoming poorer across the adult life course.
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