THE STUDY OF FACTORS RELATED TO HEALTH PROMOTING BEHAVIORS OF THE ELDERLY LIVING IN MUANG NAKHONSAWAN PROVINCE

Abstract

Background: Actually elderly had underlying diseases which had emerged in early adult and not be took care appropriately. It was not surprising that diseases were gradually progress and poor prognosis in late age. Objective: To study factors promoting healthy behaviors in elderly who reside in urban community. Method: This descriptive research was conducted in urban communities, Nakhonsawan. The samples included 265 elderly who had lived in urban community. Tool was questionnaire and be approved to be well-qualified for conducting research. Percentage, average, standard deviation were used to analyze introductory data and Chi - square test and Pearson’s product moment correlation were used to determine correlation between factors and health-promoting behaviors.

            Results:  Results showed that health-promoting activities was at moderate level. Individual health awareness, attitude towards healthy lifestyle and knowledge to maintain oneself in good health had directly relationship to health-promoting actions. Influencing factors included health policy, accessibility to health-enhancing resources, motivation from public figures or peers, encouragement from society and accessibility to health-related information were related to desired health behaviors. Conclusions: In order to promote healthy lifestyle in senior citizens, we should focus on building good understanding of health-related issues as well as holistic health care. Moreover, the direct-influencing factors should be involved in senior development activities.