title: Age differences in expectations and readiness regarding lifestyle modifications in individuals at high risk of diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The main objective of this study was to determine whether expectations and readiness to modify eating habits and physical activity (PA) level are different between young and older individuals with prediabetes who agreed to participate in a lifestyle modification program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary care or referral center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults between ages 27 and 78 years (N=74) were tested before starting a 12-month lifestyle intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  The visual analog scale questionnaire was used to assess expectations and readiness (ie, intentions, conviction, and self-confidence) to modify the PA level and eating habits. The PA level was assessed with a pedometer and eating habits with a questionnaire. Analyses were stratified by the age group: <60 years old versus ≥60 years old.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Body mass loss expectations in terms of goal (-22.9% vs -17.9% of the current body mass; P=.04), acceptable (-15.6% vs -9.4%; P=.01), and failure (-7.6% vs -3.8%; P=.05) in future body mass loss were all greater for the younger group. Despite no significant age group difference in the initial PA level and eating habits, the youngest group had a greater intention to increase the PA level (89% vs 81%; P=.004) and to eat healthier (90% vs 85%; P=.001). Finally, the PA level and the consumption of fruits and vegetables, but not body mass, were associated with intentions or self-confidence to make some lifestyle modifications within age groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In individuals at high risk for diabetes, increasing age is associated with lower expectations and reduced readiness with regard to lifestyle modifications. Thus, age should be considered when planning a lifestyle modification program.
authors.affiliation: Étienne-LeBel Clinical Research Center, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Danielle R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Bouchard
authors.forename: Marie-France
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Langlois
authors.forename: Marie-Ève
authors.initials: MÈ
authors.lastname: Domingue
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: LeBrun
authors.forename: Jean-Patrice
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Baillargeon
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000886:Anthropometry; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011236:Prediabetic State / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss