Effect of Multiple Health Risk Factors on Non-Communicable Diseases among Older Adults: Insights from the SAGE Wave-1

Abstract

The rise in health risk factors is a serious concern, adding to the worldwide burden of chronic diseases and affecting public health, particularly among older people. This explores the multidimensional nature of multiple health risk parameters and their relationship with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in older adults in SAGE nations. We used data from the WHO’s study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) Survey Wave-1 (2007-2010), and analysed the information of 33,922 (15,594 males and 18,328 females) people aged 50 years or above in six SAGE countries. We created a composite score of multiple health risk factors and NCDs by socioeconomic characteristics using bivariate and multivariate statistics models. The study finds that 5 per cent have no health risk factors and about 70 per cent are living with 2-5 health risk factors in all SAGE countries. The older adults living with six or more health risk factors were found to be the highest in South Africa (26%) followed by India (22%). The findings also highlight the relatively low burden of health risk factors among Chinese older adults. The increase in a number of health risk factors increases the NCDs. Prioritizing health education and socioeconomic upliftment can lower the health risk factors and enhance health outcomes for older persons.