Health behaviours and quality of life in independently living South Australians aged 75 years or older.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the associations between oral and general health behaviours, self-reported health and quality of life of adults aged 75 years or older living independently in South Australia.

METHODS: A cross sectional study based on a self-report mailed questionnaire was conducted in 590 independently living adults aged 75 years or older. Self-ratings of oral health and general health were assessed using single-item global ratings. Quality of life was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile and the EuroQol instrument for health utility.

RESULTS: The overall response rate was 78%. The current analyses were restricted to 354 dentate older adults. Increasing age and being female were negatively associated with EuroQol scores. Good self-rated oral and general health were more prevalent in participants with higher social status who also had lower oral health impact and higher EuroQol scores. Good self-rated oral and general health were less prevalent while oral health impact was greater in participants who ate few fruits, vegetables or dairy products.

CONCLUSIONS: Self-rated health and quality of life were poor in older adults with inadequate fruit/vegetables/dairy intake and lower social status. These findings suggest that nutrition and socioeconomic factors may be important to the oral and general health of adults aged 75 years or older.