Health behavior change following chronic illness in middle and later life.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Understanding lifestyle improvements among individuals with chronic illness is vital for targeting interventions that can increase longevity and improve quality of life.

Methods

Data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study were used to examine changes in smoking, alcohol use, and exercise 2-14 years after a diagnosis of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, or lung disease.

Results

Patterns of behavior change following diagnosis indicated that the vast majority of individuals diagnosed with a new chronic condition did not adopt healthier behaviors. Smoking cessation among those with heart disease was the largest observed change, but only 40% of smokers quit. There were no significant increases in exercise for any health condition. Changes in alcohol co

SUBMITTER: Newsom JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3325087 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature