French researchers followed 4000 seniors for almost 7 years. Each participant was disability-free at baseline. After adjusting for potential confounders, the following factors were found to contribute to excess disability risk:
- low physical activity 72%
- smoking 26%
- low fruit and vegetable intake 24%
The results were similar when those who developed disabilities in the first 4 years were excluded.
PositiveTip: Seniors: the general recommendations to exercise more, quit smoking, and eat healthful diets with plenty of fruit and vegetables still apply!