FACTORS RELATED TO THE HEALTH PROMOTING LIFE STYLE AMONG GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Having a healthy aging is one of the main individuals' rights. Activities
leading to a better health status and having a healthy life style are the main strategies in order to
maintain and improve individual's lives. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the health
promoting life style, and its affecting factors between geriatric patients hospitalized in Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals.
Materials & Methods: This was a descriptive correlational study which was conducted in four
major hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2012. 300 geriatric patients
were randomly selected and invited to complete the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile – II (HPLP-II)
that measures the health promoting life style.
Results: In several domains including Responsibility regarding the health domain (39.75 ±21.04),
Physical activity (14.79±17.01), Nutrition (49.93±16.97), and Stress management (40.26±18.44), the
mean scores were below the acceptable level (50). However, in the domains such as Spirituality
growth (54.59±24.74), and Interpersonal relationship (56.2±19.7) the mean score was above the
acceptable level. In general, patients did not have a promoting healthy life style (42.8±13.2).
Significant correlations were found between promoting life style behaviors and marital status,
educational level and occupation.
Conclusion: The study findings indicated that geriatric patients may not have a promoting healthy
life style. In order to facilitate the geriatric health thereby decreasing chronic illnesses, frequent
hospitalization and related morbidities, it is suggested to implement the health education programs in
a wide range