The prevalence and clustering of four major lifestyle risk factors in Hong Kong Chinese older adults

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence and clustering of four common lifestyle risk factors-cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, and low consumption of vegetables and fruits-among older Chinese women and men in Hong Kong. Method: The author examined 4,812 community-dwelling older persons aged 60 and older in a cross-sectional representative study, collecting data on lifestyle risk factors and sociodemographics by in-person interviews during household visits. Results: About 5% of older persons had at least three lifestyle risk factors, and more than 90% of them were men. Clustering was found at both ends of the lifestyle spectrum, especially in older men. Prevalence of multiple risk factors was higher among men, older age groups, and those with higher levels of education but lower for those who were employed. Discussion: Findings suggest that common lifestyle risk factors cluster among older men, and the clustering of risk factors provides support for multiple-behavior interventions. Copyright © 2008 Sage Publications.