Subjective life expectancy is a powerful predictor of a variety of health and economic behaviors. This research expands upon the life expectancy literature by examining the influence of familial health histories. Using a genetic/environmental model, we hypothesize that individuals' assessments of their life expectancies will be linked to the health of first-degree and second-degree relatives, with same-sex relatives' health exercising a stronger effect than that of opposite-sex relatives. Multivariate analyses based on data from a 2009 survey merged with familial health records (N = 1,019) confirm that the health experiences of same-sex, first-degree relatives are linked to respondents' subjective life expectancy. The relationship between the health experiences of second-degree relatives and subjective life expectancy is much less pronounced. These findings have the potential not only to inform our understanding of health behaviors but also to encourage communication between patients and health professionals aimed at promoting preventative behaviors.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0164027513482948DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

life expectancy
20
subjective life
16
health
9
familial health
8
second-degree relatives
8
health experiences
8
life
6
expectancy
5
family frailty
4
frailty fatal
4

Similar Publications

Background: Screening of asymptomatic stage IV breast cancer with brain MRIs is currently not recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines. The incidence of asymptomatic brain metastasis is not well documented.

Methods: The study is designed as a single arm, phase II trial, with the goal of investigating surveillance brain MRIs in neurologically asymptomatic patients with metastatic breast cancer.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased along with an increasing demand for improved quality of life. Combined with prolonged life expectancy, the number of revision surgeries is expected to increase. Stress shielding is a significant issue with traditional femoral stems used in THA, making revision surgeries particularly challenging in younger patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

As the human cannabinoid (CBD) market grows, there is an inevitable transfer of the same or similar products into the veterinary sector. Advances in veterinary medicine and care of companion animals has led to extended life expectancy and consequently, there is an increased incidence of age-related chronic conditions that compromise quality of life. CBD products may alleviate these conditions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Longitudinal analysis of in-hospital cardiac arrest: trends in the incidence, mortality, and long-term survival of a nationwide cohort.

Crit Care

January 2025

Department of Anesthesiology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No. 5, Fusing St, Guishan District, Taoyuan City, 33305, Taiwan.

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) poses a considerable threat to hospitalized patients, leading to high mortality rates and severe neurological deficits among survivors. Despite the advancements in resuscitation practices, the prognosis of IHCA remains poor, and comprehensive studies exploring nationwide trends and long-term survival are scarce, particularly in the Asian populations.

Methods: Utilizing data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a nationwide cohort study to analyze the IHCA events among adult patients between 2003 and 2020.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Abdominal hemorrhage and vascular fragility associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Jpn J Radiol

January 2025

Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan.

We report a case of recurrent abdominal bleeding associated with vascular fragility in a 67-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed hemorrhagic ascites and a pseudoaneurysm of the sigmoid colon artery, which was suspected to be the source of bleeding. Emergency laparotomy confirmed extremely fragile vessels, requiring repeated surgeries for recurrent bleeding.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!