Prevalence of chronic disease and health practices in a retirement community

The prevalence of chronic disease based on a mailed questionnaire was estimated as part of a continuing epidemiological study of a retirement community. The prevalence of eight chronic diseases (high blood pressure, angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, and cancer) was determined across all age and sex groups. The relationships between these diseases and several health related life-style practices were assessed. A health index summarizing five practices (smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, sleep and obesity) was clearly related to the prevalence of disease.