Effects of a health promotion program on healthy aging preparation for late middle aged women

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of health promotion program on healthy aging preparation for late middle aged women. Methods: The research design was a non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental study. Participants were recruited from K and Y cities in Gyeong-nam Province from October, 2013 to January, 2014. They were 26 for the experimental group and 31 for the control group. The experimental group participated in a health promotion program for healthy aging preparation. The program consisted of education, exercise, and small group discussion over 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, t-test and ANCOVA, using the PASW 18.0 program. Results: There were significant improvements in aging anxiety and general self-efficacy, health promoting behaviors in the experimental group compared to those of the control group. However, there was no significant differences in attitude toward older adults between the two groups. Conclusion: The health promotion program on healthy aging preparation for late middle aged women was found to be effective in enhancing aging anxiety and self-efficacy, and health promoting behavior. Thus, the developed program is recommended for use in clinical practice as an effective nursing intervention for late middle aged women in order to keep up with their health in later life.