Health Perceptions and Health Behaviors in the Elderly Age 65 and Older

Abstract

Life expectancy in the Unites States is rising, and with it the potential for disease and disability. Programs of health promotion and disease prevention have traditionally targeted the young and middle-aged. A bias on the part of the health care community in viewing the elderly as unlikely candidates for health promotion programs is questioned. Though their numbers, comparatively speaking, represent a modest proportion of the total population of the United States, the elderly (age 65 years and older) incur almost 50% of the cost of health care dollars spent in this country annually. Of interest is the likelihood of participation, by the elderly in programs of health promotion. Purpose: The purpose of this correlation study is to assess if a relationship exists between the perception of health and health promotion behavior in the elderly age 65 years and older. Pender's Health Promotion Model (1996) provides the theoretical framework for this study. Data is based on self-reports derived from questioners dispersed to a convenience sample of elderly at a community senior citizen center located in the Midwest. Findings: Statistical analysis included the Pearson’s Product-moment Correlation and findings are reported as aggregate data. Though the findings did not support a statistically significant relationship between health perception and health promotion behavior, the presence of a clinical relationship of low to moderate strength is supported by the correlation coefficients. This study has implications for nurse practitioners (NP’s) in the delivery of healthcare that takes into account those factors influencing health behavior. It also assists in predicting those individuals most likely to participate in programs of health promotion, and provides insight into the design, implementation, and subsequent evaluation of such programs. Such knowledge strategically positions the NP in the role of providing quality, holistic health care that meets the individual needs of the patient.