Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to health promotion in the oldest old and the barriers that prevent it.
Method: A non-random sample (n = 52) of people aged 80 and older participated in a descriptive correlational study. Respondents completed a series of two Likert-type questionnaires. The Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (Walker et al 1995) and Barriers to Health Promoting Activities for Disabled Persons Scale (Becker et al 1991) were used to measure health behaviours.
Results: Differences were noted between the age groups (80-90 and 91-101) for health responsibility, physical activity and nutrition. Impairment was the major barrier to health promotion.
Conclusion: To foster optimal living, the health, illness, function and motivation as well as age of older adults must be considered. They should be encouraged to pursue physical, social and intellectual activity, which can enable them to have active and fulfilling lives.