Barriers stop older adults from acting healthy

Americans over age 55 are well aware of proven steps to better health such as proper diet, regular exercise, reducing stress and having a positive attitude, but they face a number of barriers that prevent them from taking necessary steps to improve their health, according to a new survey released today by the American Public Health Association (APHA).

“At a point when Americans are living much longer, research shows simple lifestyle changes can help ensure a healthier future,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, executive director of APHA. “Our survey finds that although many older adults are aware of the need to make changes in their daily lives to improve their health, they often lack the motivation and resources to take action.”

Findings from the survey, conducted in conjunction with National Public Health Week 2005 (April 4-10), include:

• Half of older adults believe they have a healthy lifestyle, while half recognize they need to work to improve their health;

• Lack of motivation (51 percent) followed closely by money (46 percent) and time (34 percent) were cited as primary barriers to taking action to be healthier;

• Members of the oldest segment of Americans — 75 and older — are more likely than their younger counterparts to say they have a healthy lifestyle (67 percent for those aged 75+ compared to 38 percent for those 55 to 64 years old);

• Nearly eight in 10 (78 percent) believe diet and exercise more than genetics (18 percent) decide how healthy they will be as they age.

APHA encourages seniors and their families to assess their current health status, identify risks and create a plan for maintaining optimum health. Information on staying healthy as well as a personal health assessment calculator is available at www.apha.org/nphw.

Source: American Public Health Association, http://www.apha.org

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