We studied praying for health using data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (n = 10,096), representing 89.6 million Americans ages 50+. Unadjusted analysis and multivariate logistic regression accounted for the survey design. Nearly 49.4 million older adults prayed for health. African Americans and Hispanics were more much likely to do so than whites, with adjusted odds ratios 2.79 and 1.86 (both p < .0001). Adjusted odds for women were nearly twice those of men (p < .0001). Those with lower income were more likely to pray for health (p < .0001). Health and social services providers should be sensitive older adults' spiritual needs.

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.

We studied use of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements for cognitive health. We refer to these products as supplements. Data were from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which asked about complementary and alternative medicine (n = 22 783). Chi-square and multivariate logistic analyses were weighted for national representativeness, accounting for the survey design. Among supplement users, about 8.8% of those without cognitive problems used them for cognitive health; 15.7% of those with cognitive problems did so. Fish oil, Ginkgo biloba, and vitamins were commonly used for cognitive health. Among supplement users, 38% did not tell health care providers. In adjusted results, adults reporting cognitive problems were more likely than others to use supplements for cognitive health (odds ratio 1.77, confidence interval 1.39-2.25). Adults are more likely to use supplements to treat or cure cognitive problems than to prevent them. Many do not discuss this use with health care providers.

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