Proactive health behavior in older adults: A concept analysis

The global demographic shift towards an aging population presents formidable challenges to healthcare systems. Proactive health behavior has emerged as a crucial concept for promoting successful aging. A clear conceptual understanding of proactive health behavior is essential to inform effective interventions.

To generate a concept analysis of proactive health behavior in older adults.

Using Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis, this study identified the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of proactive health behavior. A systematic search was performed across six English and two Chinese databases from their inception until August 2025, resulting in the inclusion of 30 articles for in-depth analysis. To ensure methodological rigor, study selection and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers.

Proactive health behavior is characterized by self-initiated agency, a preventive philosophy, active construction of health competence, and the goal of multidimensional health optimization. Key antecedents include individual characteristics, social support, and health system support. Consequences manifest as improved individual well-being, reduced family caregiving burden, and broader societal benefits.

This analysis provides a clarified theoretical framework for proactive health behavior, positioning older adults as active agents of their health. The findings offer a foundation for developing targeted interventions and measurement tools to foster proactive health behavior, thereby supporting successful aging and alleviating associated socioeconomic pressures.