Health-promoting behaviors of the rural well older adult

Abstract

<p>One of the greatest challenges facing nursing in the future will be promoting wellness among the increasing number of older adults, many of whom live in rural areas where they are isolated from access to medical facilities and information about health promotion. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived health status and the health promoting behaviors of the well older adult living in the rural setting. In addition, demographic variables were examined in relationship to the health promoting behaviors and self-perceived health status. A non-experimental research design using survey methods was utilized to explore the health promoting behaviors and perceived health status. The Short Form-8 (SF-8) was used to measure the self-perceived health status and the Health Promoting Lifestyle II (HPLP II) was used to measure the health promoting behaviors. Four hundred and forty older adults that fulfilled the criteria for participation, completed surveys at rural dining sites located in Southeast Minnesota. The self-perceived health status of the study sample is poorer than, yet, comparable to other older adults in the areas of bodily pain, vitality, role emotional, social functioning, and mental health. Spiritual growth is the most commonly used health promoting behaviors for this sample. However, nutrition and stress management were also commonly used health promoting behaviors. Overall, the perceived health status was positively related to health promoting behaviors for this sample. The health promoting behavior of Health Responsibility, however, showed no correlation with health status. The demographic variables for the rural older adult were found to be poor predictors of either health promoting behaviors or perceived health status. In spite of the identified need for research in the rural setting, limited data exists describing the relationship of health status and health promoting behaviors, especially with the older adult population. This research contributes to the nursing profession by enhancing knowledge about health promoting behaviors and health status of older adults living in rural areas. In order to develop nursing interventions focused on the older adult population and behaviors that promote health, research such as this are necessary.</p>