Study Shows Unhealthy Lifestyle Increases Risk of Needing Assisted Living, University of Sydney Reports
A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney has found that an unhealthy lifestyle can significantly increase the likelihood of needing assisted living services as individuals age. The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, examined various factors such as smoking, physical activity, sitting, sleep, and diet to determine how they influence the chances of individuals requiring admission to nursing homes.
The research analyzed data from 127,108 men and women aged 60 and older who participated in the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up study. These participants were asked to report on their lifestyle behaviors and were then given a score based on their responses. The highest score was given to individuals who engaged in more than 300 minutes of physical activity per week, did not smoke, got between seven to nine hours of sleep per night, sat for less than seven hours per day, and followed a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while limiting the intake of red and processed meats.
Based on their scores, the participants were categorized into three groups: low risk, medium risk, and high risk. Shockingly, one in seven of the participants fell into the high-risk group.
Over a median follow-up period of approximately 10 years, 18% of the participants were admitted to nursing homes. The study found that individuals in the high-risk group were 43% more likely to be admitted compared to those in the low-risk group, while the medium-risk group had a 12% higher risk of admission.
The researchers identified that all lifestyle behaviors, except for diet, independently contributed to an increased risk of nursing home admission. They also noted that age and physical impairment played a role in determining the extent of the impact.
However, the study does have certain limitations. The researchers did not have access to records detailing the specific reasons for nursing home admission or the presence of other conditions at the time of admission. Additionally, social isolation and loneliness, which can affect the mental and physical health of older adults, were not taken into account.
Moreover, the lifestyle behaviors were self-reported by the participants and only measured once, making it impossible to track potential changes in their habits over time. The dietary questionnaire utilized in the study was also not comprehensive, which could explain why an independent link between diet and a higher risk of nursing home admission was not identified.
Dr. Alice Gibson from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre and Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics emphasized the significance of the study. “This is the first study to look at the independent and combined impact of these established and emerging lifestyle behaviors on a person’s risk of admission into aged care,” she stated. Dr. Gibson further advocated for strategies that promote healthier lifestyle choices among older individuals, such as smoking cessation, reducing sedentary time, increasing physical activity, and improving sleep, to alleviate the burden on the aged care system.
Furthermore, Dr. Gibson highlighted that individuals can still be considered “low-risk” overall even if they exhibit “high-risk” behavior in one aspect. She also mentioned that the study found no link between body mass index and the risk of nursing home admission, supporting the notion that some excess weight can be protective in older age, as suggested by previous research.
This study sheds light on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent or delay the need for assisted living services as individuals age. By making positive lifestyle changes, individuals can reduce their risk of requiring nursing home admission and enjoy a higher quality of life in their later years.