Examining modifiable health behaviors, body weight, and use of preventive health services among caregivers and non-caregivers aged 65 years and older in Hawaii, Kansas, and Washington using 2007 BRFSS

Objective: To examine the associations among health behaviors, healthy body weight, and use of preventive services of adults 65 years and older using the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) as a function of caregiving status. Methods: Participants (N=6,138) residing in the states of Hawaii, Kansas, and Washington completed questions about caregiving. We examined if there were any associations among body weight - having a healthy weight (body mass index 18.5-24.9 kg/m2); modifiable health behaviors - not smoking, consuming ≤1 alcoholic beverage per day, consuming at least five fruits or vegetables daily, participating in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the average week; and using preventive services - receiving an annual influenza immunization, and ever receiving a pneumococcal immunization. Results: The two groups did not differ significantly on the modifiable health behaviors of fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking status, or alcohol consumption, or having a healthy weight. Caregivers were significantly more likely to meet physical activity recommendations than non-caregivers (54.1%, 42.0%, respectively, p<0.001). No significant differences were found between caregivers and non-caregivers on receiving influenza and pneumococcal immunization. Conclusions: Older adults who are caregivers are more likely than other older adults to meet government recommendations for physical activity; however, they have similar patterns of engaging in other health behaviors, including health eating and use of preventive services. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging