Health promotion for older Americans.

The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of health promotion issues relevant to older Americans. As part of a national health promotion initiative for older people, sponsored by the US Public Health Service and the Administration on Aging, research was undertaken to study the health status, knowledge, attitudes and practices of this population. Six health behaviors identified in the study, entitled Aging and Health Promotion: Market Research for Public Education, which can positively influence the well-being of older people, will be briefly discussed: exercise, nutrition, injury prevention, safe use of medicines, use of preventive services and smoking cessation. Recommendations will be made for the development of health promotion messages focusing on these health habits.