Older adults' perceptions about wellness

This article describes a qualitative investigation regarding the usefulness of Pender's health promotion model with community-based, older adults. Specifically, the beliefs about wellness of elderly clients seen during a community outreach, health promotion project are delineated. The majority of the 33 clients interviewed stated they were not well and that their physician kept them informed regarding their health status. As part of the nurse-client termination process, clients were asked three questions related to themes that emerged during the home visits: health status, health care responsibilities, and perception of wellness. Findings did not support Pender's health promotion model assumption that individuals who engage in health promotion activities perceive their own health status positively.