The association between expectations regarding aging and health-promoting behaviors among Korean older adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was performed to measure expectations regarding aging among community-residing older adults, identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with the level of expectations regarding aging, and examine whether expectations regarding aging were associated with health-promoting behaviors. METHODS: Data was collected by using questionnaires of a short version of the Expectations Regarding Aging Survey (ERA-18) and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) from 99 older adults who resided in the community of Kyunggi, Daegu, and Kyungpook province. RESULTS: More than 75% of the participants reported that it was an expected part of aging to have more aches and pains, to become depressed, and to become more forgetful. The mean score of expectations regarding aging was 23.15+/-17.80 (possible range 0-100). The old-old, women, those with less education, less monthly allowance and poor health status had lower expectations regarding aging than other elderly. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and perceived health, expectations regarding aging were independently associated with health-promoting behaviors in older adults. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that older Korean adults have low expectations regarding aging, and expectations regarding aging influence health-promoting behaviors.