Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine For Physical Performance, Energy, Immune Function, and General Health Among Older Women and Men in the United States

Abstract

We examined use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for health and well-being by older women and men. Data were from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, representing 89.5 million Americans ages 50+. Multivariate logistic regression accounted for the survey design. For general health, 52 million people used CAM. The numbers for immune function, physical performance, and energy were 21.6, 15.9, and 10.1 million respectively. In adjusted results, women were much more likely than men to use CAM for all four reasons, especially energy. Older adults, particularly women, could benefit from research on CAM benefits and risks.

Keywords:

• aging
• complementary medicine
• alternative medicine
• integrative medicine
• general health
• physician communication

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank William D. Siegfried, Jr., PhD, and M. Maka Tsulukidze, MD, MPH, MPA, for their valuable contributions to this research.