title: Use of complementary and alternative medicine for physical performance, energy, immune function, and general health among older women and men in the United States.
abstract: We examined use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for health and well-being by older women and men. Data were from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, representing 89.5 million Americans ages 50+. Multivariate logistic regression accounted for the survey design. For general health, 52 million people used CAM. The numbers for immune function, physical performance, and energy were 21.6, 15.9, and 10.1 million respectively. In adjusted results, women were much more likely than men to use CAM for all four reasons, especially energy. Older adults, particularly women, could benefit from research on CAM benefits and risks.
authors.affiliation: College of Health and Human Services, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA. emtait@email.wcu.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Tait
authors.forename: Sarah B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Laditka
authors.forename: James N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Laditka
authors.forename: Mary A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Nies
authors.forename: Elizabeth F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Racine
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005221:Fatigue / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health