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Americans Think They're Healthier Than Their Parents Were

March 17, 2006

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Nearly half (48 percent) of Americans say they are in better health now than when their parents were at their age, according to a national poll released today by Research America and Parade Magazine, which commissioned the survey.

Almost 60 percent say they are doing more now than their parents did to stay healthy.

The poll found a majority of Americans (82 percent) say they are taking steps to stay healthy as they grow older, including exercising more (82 percent) and watching their diet (69 percent).

Asked what they think the majority of people would do to add five quality years to their lives, respondents listed:

• driving safely (82 percent),
• eating well-balanced meals (79 percent),
• practicing safe sex (77 percent), and
• seeing a physician and dentist regularly (85 percent and 82 percent, respectively).

Almost all Americans (98 percent) think it is important for people to do more to prevent their own health problems, and more than three in four (77 percent) say their doctors have talked to them about preventive health measures.

Americans cite "being too busy" (43 percent) and "enjoying unhealthy behaviors such as smoking" (28 percent) as some of the reasons people do not do what they should to stay healthy.

"Americans want to stay healthy as they age, and they know that things like diet, exercise and getting regular checkups are some of the keys to long, healthy lives," said Lee Kravitz, editor-in-chief, Parade.

U.S. investment in medical research that allows scientists to predict a person's chance of developing a disease was seen as valuable by almost 90 percent. But Americans are evenly split about whether they themselves would want to know their chances of developing a disease. Almost half (49 percent) would want to know while 48 percent would not want to know.

Most Americans (62 percent) are interested in being genetically tested to determine which medications are safest and most effective for them. Three in four (75 percent) say they have had at least one test in the last two years to screen for cholesterol, diabetes and cancer.

The poll also finds Americans turning to non-traditional approaches to address their health issues, including use of supplements and vitamins (84 percent), prayer (74 percent), meditation (42 percent) and herbal remedies (40 percent).

"This poll shows us that Americans believe in the power of prevention and in being proactive to reach their later years in good health," said Mary Woolley, president, Research America. "And they clearly see the value of medical research in helping to ward off conditions that can significantly affect quality of life as we all grow older."

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