The Clustering of Health Behaviours in Older Australians and its Association with Physical and Psychological Status, and Sociodemographic Indicators. Issue 2 (6th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griffin, Barbara; Sherman, Kerry A.; Jones, Mike; Bayl-Smith, Piers
• Is Part Of: Annals of behavioral medicine. Volume 48:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 214
• Publication Date: 2014-02-06
• Subjects: Health behaviour -- Cluster analysis -- Cancer screening -- Ageing -- Audience segmentation; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Behavioral Medicine; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1007/s12160-014-9589-8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-6612

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Increasing life expectancies, burgeoning healthcare costs and an emphasis on the management of multiple health-risk behaviours point to a need to delineate health lifestyles in older adults. Purpose: The aims of this study were to delineate health lifestyles of a cohort of older adults and to examine the association of these lifestyles with biological and psychological states and socio-economic indices. Methods: Cluster analysis was applied to data derived from the self-reported 45 and Up cohort study ( N = 96, 276) of Australians over 45 years, regarding exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and cancer screening behaviours. Results: Six lifestyle clusters emerged delineated by smoking, screening and physical activity levels. Individuals within health-risk dominant clusters were more likely to be male, living alone, low-income earners, living in a deprived neighbourhood, psychologically distressed and experiencing low quality of life. Conclusions: Health lifestyle cluster membership can be used to identify older adults at greatest risk for physical and psychological health morbidity.