Risk factors for hypertension in elderly people aged 65 and over, and adults under age 65

This study investigated the risk factors of hypertension among individuals under and over 65 years of age. A total of 6,152 participants were analyzed using the 6th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. The collected data were analyzed by Chi-square tests and logistic regression using SPSS 23. The results showed that the subjective health status, diabetes, heart disease, and degree of obesity according to BMI were risk factors affecting hypertension in individuals both under and over age 65. In adults under age 65, chronic lung disease, digestive disease, and drinking were risk factors affecting hypertension. In elderly over age 65, region, arthritis and rheumatic disease, smoking, and cognitive function were risk factors affecting hypertension. There is a need for chronic disease management in Korea due to rapid aging. In particular, it is important to analyze for effective management age-related risk factors affecting steadily increasing hypertension with age. Therefore, it is necessary to manage chronic disease management through social welfare improvement and welfare plans for the elderly, as well as personal management.