Adults who are diagnosed with a chronic condition in the middle and later stages of their lives struggle to adopt healthier behaviors going forward, results from a large survey demonstrated.
For example, only 19% of adults aged 50-85 years who are diagnosed with a chronic lung disease quit smoking within 2 years, and none of those surveyed reported regular vigorous exercise (at least three times per week) after they were diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, or lung disease. The findings, reported in the July 2012 issue of the Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, come from an analysis of responses from more than 11,000 adults who participated in the Health and Retirement Study, designed to examine changes in smoking, alcohol use, and exercise 2-14 years after diagnosis with a chronic condition.
Courtesy CDC/Debora Cartagena
Only 19% of adults aged 50-85 years who were diagnosed with lung disease quit smoking within two years.
"Even after an illness has occurred, change in behavior is critical for improving quality of life, reducing risk of recurrence or complications, and extending life," lead study author Jason T. Newsom, Ph.D., said in a statement. "Quitting smoking after a heart attack, for example, cuts risk of a second heart attack in half."
Dr. Newsom and his associates, of the Institute on Aging at the Portland (Ore.) State University School of Community Health, found that changes in alcohol consumption after diagnosis of a chronic condition were minimal, although among respondents who were currently drinking, those with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and lung disease significantly decreased their average number of daily drinks (J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. [2012] 67B [3]:279-88). The researchers also observed few significant and consistent sociodemographic changes after a diagnosis. For example, females and younger respondents were somewhat more likely to decrease exercise and alcohol use, while higher education was associated with smoking cessation, increased exercise, and decreased alcohol consumption.
– Doug Brunk (on Twitter @dougbrunk)