The effect of health behavior change on self-rated health across the adult life course: a longitudinal cohort study

Abstract

Objective. While it is clear that health behaviors are related to self-rated health (SRH), it is less clear if maintaining positive behaviors, or improving, can protect SRH over time. Method. SRH trajectoriesweremodeled in a large representative Australian sample (n = 7485 at baseline), of three age cohorts (20–24, 40–44 and 60–64 years at baseline; 1999, 2000 & 2001 respectively), over an 8 year period. Change in smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity on SRH trajectories were examined, controlling for demographic, physical and mental health factors. Results. SRH became poorer over time across the sample. Being a non-smoker was associated with more positive SRH levels across all groups. Maintaining or increasing moderate physical activity was associated with less decline in SRH. Conclusions. Findings highlight the benefits of positive health behaviors, particularly performing regular physical activity over time, for reducing the risk of subjective health becoming poorer across the adult life course.