The population is ageing. The number of people over 85 is increasing and the over 65 age group are the greatest users of NHS services.
That is why it is important to survey the health of older people and why they were the focus of the Health Survey for England in 2005.
As well as a general population sample of adults and children, an additional boost sample of over 65s was interviewed about their health. This age group was also the focus of the health survey in 2000 and these two sets of results can be compared for changes in the health and health-related behaviours of older people.
iStockphoto.com/Rebecca Ellis |
The interview asked all respondents about their general health, alcohol consumption, smoking and fruit and vegetable consumption. Older people were also asked about their use of health services, cardiovascular disease, chronic diseases, disabilities and falls.
Some key findings from the 2005 survey are summarised on these linked pages:
If you would like to see the full published report you can view it online here. |
