Health promotion practices of older adults: testing an individualized approach

The world's population is getting older. Consequently, the World Health Organization has focused efforts on health promotion activities for these individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence health promotion behaviours and to describe the impact of an individualized approach to decision-making with regard to health promotion activities in a group of older adults living in a continuing care retirement community. The study used a single group pre- and post-test design that included a total of 134 residents. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. A McNemar test was used to compare health promotion activities pre- and postintervention. Regression analysis was used to consider the factors that influenced health promotion activities in these individuals. The survey included questions about health promotion activities and both mental and physical health status. In the year between baseline and follow-up testing a geriatric nurse practitioner provided both formal and informal education about health promotion activities. With the exception of monitoring dietary fat intake, there was not a statistically significant difference in primary and secondary health promotion behaviours pre- and post-testing. There was, however, a decline in smoking and alcohol use, an increase in physical activity and a slight decline in the percentage of older adults who engaged in cancer screenings. An individualized approach may be a useful way to help older adults make health decisions and engage in those health promotion activities that will increase their quality of life.