A Comparative Study on a Health Promoting Lifestyle and Perceived Health Status between High and Low Income Elderly

일반노인과 저소득층 노인의 건강증진행위와 지각된 건강상태 비교

Purpose: This study was to investigate the needs for developing a health promotion program for the elderly, and to compare the health promoting behaviors and perceived health status between high and low income elderly. Method: The data were collected from 80 high) income elderly and 84 low income elderly through face to face interviews. The instruments used in) this study were the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) and Perceived Health Status. Results: 1) The total score of the HPLP for the elderly was 2.29. In the subscales, the highest degree of performance' nutrition', following 'stress management', 'spiritual growth' and 'health responsibility' and the lowest degree of performance was 'physical activity'. 2) The high income level elderly had significantly higher total HPLP scores than the low income level elderly. The biggest difference was found in 'physical activity' between high) and low) income elderly. 3) The mean score of perceived health status was 8.21. The high) income elderly had significantly higher perceived health status than the low income elderly. Conclusion: The above findings indicate that it is necessary to develop a health promotion program with reinforced physical activity, health responsibility for the elderly in Korea. In particular physical activity need to be increased for the low income elderly. The low income elderly need to have positive thinking for perceived health status.