19 June 2008

Over 45's making an effort to be healthier

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher said new research shows that people aged 45 and over are making a greater effort to lead a healthier lifestyle but obesity rates are still rising.

The 1997-2007 Report on adults aged 45 years and over contains key findings on the health behaviours, health status and health service use and access for more than 62,000 people aged 45 years and over across the state.

"The report reveals that people aged 45 years or over are exercising more, and eating more fruit and vegetables, but it also reveals people are still consuming too much fat," Ms Meagher said.

For people aged 45 years and over the survey shows:

• a significant increase in the proportion of people who consumed the recommended two serves or more of fruit per day (up from 51.3 per cent in 1997 to 60.1 per cent in 2007)
• a significant increase in the proportion of people who ate the recommended five serves or more of vegetables per day (up from 11 per cent in 1997 to 13.2 per cent in 2007)
• a significant increase in the proportion of people who participated in sufficient levels of physical activity each week (up from 41.3 per cent in 1998 to 49.1 per cent in 2007) - the recommendation is exercise for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.

Ms Meagher said it's pleasing to see that major Government campaigns encouraging people to 'live life well' and reduce ill health are having a positive effect.

"It's never too late to start leading a healthier lifestyle and this report confirms that the preventative message is getting through," Ms Meagher said.

"However, the report shows the percentage of people aged 45 years and over who are overweight or obese has risen from 50 per cent to nearly 60 per cent.

"Long-term behavioural change is what is needed to have an effect on overall statistics and I encourage all over 45s to continue making healthier changes to their lifestyle so they can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

"Remember to eat two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day, increase your fibre intake by selecting wholegrain cereals and bread and cut back on alcohol, which can contain lots of empty calories.

"The earlier people can start making changes to their lifestyle the healthier they will be."

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au