Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Hypertension Risk Among Elderly: Physical Activity, Stress, Smoking, and Alcohol Consumption

Background: Hypertension is a major public health concern, particularly among the elderly, and is influenced by various modifiable risk factors such as physical activity, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption. At the Payung Sekaki Public Health Center, these factors were investigated to understand their relationship with hypertension in the elderly population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 74 respondents, primarily elderly individuals, who were assessed for physical activity levels, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and stress levels. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, and statistical analysis was performed to examine the correlations between these factors and the incidence of hypertension. Results: The findings revealed that 56.8% of respondents engaged in good physical activity, while 43.2% did not, with a significant association between reduced physical activity and an increased risk of hypertension. Stress was found to be prevalent among 74.3% of respondents, with moderate stress reported by the majority, indicating a significant relationship with hypertension. Alcohol consumption and smoking were less common among the elderly, but those who consumed alcohol or smoked were found to have a higher likelihood of developing hypertension. A large portion of respondents expressed a desire to reduce alcohol intake and quit smoking due to health concerns. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of physical activity, stress management, and lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, in managing hypertension among the elderly. These findings emphasize the need for public health interventions that target modifiable risk factors to reduce hypertension prevalence in older populations.