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Although certain behaviors have adverse effects on health, less is known about associations between unhealthful behaviors and disability in older adults. In this prospective study, investigators examined these relations.
Researchers periodically assessed 4000 French community dwellers (age, ≥65) who were disability-free at baseline. During a mean follow-up of 6.8 years, moderate-to-severe disability (e.g., impaired mobility, decline in activities of daily living) developed in 31% of participants. After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, low physical activity, smoking, and infrequent consumption of fruits and vegetables were associated with significant excess risk for disability (by 72%, 26%, and 24%, respectively); alcohol consu…