Living longer and feeling better: healthy lifestyle, self-rated health, obesity and depression in Ireland.
BACKGROUND
The combination of four protective lifestyle behaviours (being physically active, a non-smoker, a moderate alcohol consumer and having adequate fruit and vegetable intake) has been estimated to increase life expectancy by 14 years. However, the effect of adopting these lifestyle behaviours on general health, obesity and mental health is less defined. We examined the combined effect of these behaviours on self-rated health, overweight/obesity and depression.


METHODS
Using data from the Survey of Lifestyle Attitudes and Nutrition (SLAN) 2007 (), a protective lifestyle behaviour (PLB) score was constructed for 10,364 men and women (>18 years), and representative of the Republic of Ireland adult population (response rate 62%). Respondents scored a maximum of four points, one point each for being physically active, consuming five or more fruit and vegetable servings daily, a non-smoker and a moderate drinker.


RESULTS
One-fifth of respondents (20%) adopted four PLBs, 35% adopted three, 29% two, 13% one and 2% adopted none. Compared to those with zero PLBs, those with four were seven times more likely to rate their general health as excellent/very good [OR 6.8 95% CI (3.64-12.82)] and four times more likely to have better mental health [OR 4.4 95% CI (2.34-8.22)].


CONCLUSIONS
Adoption of core protective lifestyle factors known to increase life expectancy is associated with positive self-rated health, healthier weight and better mental health. These lifestyles have the potential to add quality and quantity to life.
Harrington
Janas
J
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. j.harrington@ucc.ie
Perry
Ivan J
IJ
Lutomski
Jennifer
J
Fitzgerald
Anthony P
AP
Shiely
Frances
F
McGee
Hannah
H
Barry
Margaret M
MM
Van Lente
Eric
E
Morgan
Karen
K
Shelley
Emer
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires