Logo of the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics

Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well-Being 
Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics


Health Risks and Behaviors

Indicator 19Social Activity
Indicator 20Sedentary Lifestyle
Indicator 21Vaccinations
Indicator 22Mammography
Indicator 23Dietary Quality
Indicator 24Criminal Victimization

Indicator 19 - Social Activity

Men and women benefit from social activity at older ages. Those who continue to interact with others tend to be healthier, both physically and mentally, than those who become socially isolated. Interactions with friends and family members can provide emotional and practical support that enable older persons to remain in the community and reduce the likelihood they will need formal health care services.

Chart of Percentage of Persons Age 70 or Older Who Reported Engaging in Social Activities, by Age Group and Sex, 1995.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Tables 19a and 19b.


Indicator 20 - Sedentary Lifestyle

Physical activity is beneficial for the health of people of all ages, including the older population. It can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, may relieve symptoms of depression, helps to maintain independent living, and enhances overall quality of life.[29] Research has shown that even among frail and very old adults, mobility and functioning can be improved through physical activity.[30]

Chart of Percentage of Persons Age 65 or Older Who Reported Having a Sedentary Lifestyle, by Sex, 1985, 1990, and 1995.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Table 20.


Indicator 21 - Vaccinations

Vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease are recommended for older Americans, who are at increased risk for complications from these diseases compared with younger individuals.[32] Influenza vaccinations are given annually, while pneumococcal vaccinations are usually given once in a lifetime. The costs associated with these vaccinations are covered under Medicare Part B.

Chart of Percentage of Persons Age 65 or Older Who Reported Having Been Vaccinated Against Influenza and Pneumococcal Disease, by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1989 to 1995.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Tables 21a and 21b.


Indicator 22 - Mammography

Health care services and screenings can help to prevent disease or detect it at an early, treatable stage. Mammography has been shown to be effective in reducing breast cancer mortality among women ages 50 to 65 and some experts recommend screenings at older ages as well.

Chart of Percentage of Women Age 65 or Older Who had a Mammogram Within the Past Two Years, by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1987 to 1994.  See text for details.

·        The percentage of women who had a mammogram increased among all racial and ethnic groups. Until recently, non-Hispanic white women were the most likely to report having had a mammogram, but in 1994 non-Hispanic black women were more likely to report having had a mammogram (61 percent) than either non-Hispanic white women (55 percent) or Hispanic women (48 percent).

Data for this indicator can be found in Table 22.


Indicator 23 - Dietary Quality

Dietary quality plays a major role in preventing or delaying the onset of chronic diseases. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a summary measure of dietary quality. The HEI consists of 10 components, each representing a different aspect of a healthful diet based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Scores for each component are given equal weight and added to calculate an overall HEI score with a maximum value of 100. An HEI score above 80 indicates a good diet, an HEI score between 51 and 80 signals a diet that needs improvement, and an HEI score below 51 indicates a poor diet.[34]

Chart of Dietary Quality Ratings Among Persons Age 45 or Older, As Measured by the Healthy Eating Index, by Age Group and Poverty Status, 1994 to 1996.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Tables 23a and 23b.


Indicator 24 - Criminal Victimization

The fear of crime is an important concern among persons of all ages. Although older persons may be more fearful of violent crime, they are more likely to be victims of property crime.

Chart of Violent Crime Rates, by Age of Victim, 1973 to 1998.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Table 24.


blue ballTop of Page blue ballMenu: Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well-Being 
blue ballForum Home Page blue ballGo to Health Care Section

Contacts: