The Relationship Between Chronic Diseases and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of Individuals 65 Years and Older

Abstract

Aim: This study is designed to examine the differences in health habits among individuals aged 65 and over, based on chronic diseases. Method: All individuals aged 65 and over registered to Unit 13 of Gazikent Family Health Center No. 3 in Gaziemir, Izmir constitute the study group. There were 300 eligible individuals and three of them rejected to participate and the study was completed with 297 participants. Data were collected with Questionnaire Form and Healthy Lifestyle Scale (HLSS). Data were analyzed with Variance analysis, Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskall Wallis analysis. Results: The average age of the elderly is 71.9 ± 6.5 (65-94) and 84.2% of them had at least one chronic disease (CD). Mean total HLSS score was 141 ± 20. The lowest mean score was obtained from the physical activity subgroup. HLS general and subgroup mean scores of those with CD were significantly lower (p<0.05). A significant difference was found between mean scores of HLSS and habits, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics (p <0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that CD is quite common among the elderly and this group has difficulties in maintaining healthy lifestyle.