Journal of community health
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The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of survival over five years in a sample of 377 elderly (age 55+) chronically ill men. Subjects were selected at baseline from consecutive appointments at a geriatric clinic and given extensive medical and psychosocial assessment. Five years later, subjects who could be located were interviewed by telephone. ⋯ Other variables included functional health status [Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)], mental health status [Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE), morale], health habits (smoking, alcohol use and exercise), use of health services (physician visits, emergency room (ER) visits, hospital stays), and demographic factors (age, income, marital status and living arrangements). Proportional hazard models showed that the variables with statistically significant direct effects on survival time were younger age, higher functional health status on IADL, non-smoking, moderate alcohol use, and perception of adequate income. Nutritional status was indirectly associated with survival.