Control over future health in old age: characteristics of believers and sceptics

In a cross-sectional study of a total population aged 70 years and over in a rural New Zealand township (sample size 682) we investigated factors which characterize those who felt they had a great deal of control and those who felt they had little or no control over future health. In a significant logistic regression model those with a feeling of a great deal of control over future health had a lower prevalence of chronic obstructive lung disease, higher prevalence of diabetes, took less alcohol, were more likely to be satisfied with bowel function, had a lower protein intake, were more likely to participate in strenuous to moderate activity and were less likely to have features of depression. Different perceptions of control were associated with significant differences in health practices and health status.