HEALTH PROMOTING BEHAVIORS OF OLDER AMERICANS VERSUS YOUNG AND MIDDLE AGED ADULTS

Health promoting behaviors have become increasingly important as Americans attempt to retain their youth and health. This study collected self-reported data from 559 participants in the Southwest United States using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II to compare the health promoting behaviors of older adults (60–92 years), middle-aged adults (40–59 years), and younger adults (18–39 years). Results indicate that older adults engage in more nutrition and health responsibility behaviors and score highest in the broad range of health promoting behaviors assessed. Results suggest that gerontologists may benefit programmatically from identifying factors associated with those older adults who more frequently engage in health behaviors.