ArticleBMC geriatrics2026
Prevalence of behavioural risk factors and their combinations among older adults: cross-sectional results of the nationwide study Gesundheit 65.
Article in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundBehavioural risk factors (BRFs) negatively impact health and well-being across life course, including older age. Data on their prevalence among older adults in Germany are scarce. This study examines prevalence of single BRFs - alcohol use, smoking, insufficient vegetable and fruit consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity - and identifies BRF combinations with a focus on sociodemographic disparities in adults aged 65 years and older.
methodsThe nationwide Gesundheit 65 + study (06/2021-04/2022) used a two-stage, stratified random sample from residents' registration offices, and a design tailored to older adults. Data from 3,139 participants with complete information on all BRFs were analysed. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for BRFs, their total number, and combinations were stratified by age, sex, and education. Non-overlapping CIs indicated statistical significance.
resultsPrevalence estimates were 78.4% for physical inactivity, 71.8% for insufficient vegetable and fruit consumption, 56.3% for alcohol use, 21.0% for obesity, and 9.9% for smoking. Men reported more often than women alcohol use (69.8% vs. 45.2%) and inadequate diet (77.9% vs. 66.7%). Except for inadequate diet, prevalence varied by age and education. Participants averaged 2.4 BRFs; 83.1% reported multiple BRFs. The most frequent combinations were alcohol use + inadequate diet + physical inactivity (21.8%), inadequate diet + physical inactivity (16.0%), and physical inactivity alone (8.3%).
conclusionsMultiple BRFs are highly prevalent among older adults in Germany, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies combining policy measures (e.g. bans on alcohol advertising), community-level interventions (e.g. improved walkability), and targeted individual interventions to promote balanced diet, physical activity, and reduced alcohol use.
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