It seems as one gets older, they mature not only physically but also in their lifestyle choices. A new survey has found that eight out of ten people between ages 25-44 years old think they are living a healthy lifestyle and are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors than 18-24 year olds. Results from the survey also revealed that as people age, they become more aware of their overall health and risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Ralph Sacco, a neurologist and president of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association explained:

“This survey shows the dangerous disconnect that many young Americans have about how their behaviors affect their risks for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Starting healthy behaviors at a young age is critical to entering middle age in good shape. The investment you make in your health now will have a large payoff as you age. We want everyone, especially young people, to strive to avoid stroke, which can affect anyone at any age.”

The results are part of a survey of 1,248 Americans aged 18 to 44 on their attitudes about health, including influences of and beliefs about health behaviors and their risks for stroke. Almost 33% of those surveyed said they don’t believe engaging in healthy behaviors now could affect their risk of stroke in the future and 18 per cent could not identify at least one stroke risk factor.

Younger participants in that 18-24 year old group claimed that they want to live long and maintain quality health throughout their life.

Sacco continues:

“Young adults need to make a connection between healthy behaviors and a healthy brain and healthy heart. If we are not able to help young adults understand the relevance of their actions now and their risk of stroke tomorrow, then we could be looking at an increase in stroke diagnoses and deaths within the next 10 to 20 years. Everyone should recognize the severity of stroke, which threatens quality of life and can be prevented. People need to think in terms of striving for ideal health as well as surviving and thriving if a stroke occurs. An easier way to remember this is: Strive, Survive and Thrive.”

Here are more results from the study:

  • Among 35-44 year olds, only 22 percent said they were not concerned about cardiovascular diseases and conditions, including heart disease/heart attack; high blood pressure; obesity; high cholesterol; diabetes; and stroke. Yet, about half (48 percent) of them are more likely to have health concerns they struggle with today.
  • Thirty-six percent of 25-34 year olds said they were not concerned about cardiovascular diseases and conditions.
  • Forty-three percent of 18-24 year olds were least concerned about cardiovascular disease.
  • All groups said that they’re least worried about stroke as a personal health threat.

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or leading to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. When this happens, part of the brain can’t get the blood or oxygen it needs, so it starts to die. Depending on the severity of the stroke, immobility or paralysis may occur. In the United States, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds.

Source: The American Heart and Stroke Association

Written by Sy Kraft