Health practices of older adults in good health.

Using an interpretive, descriptive method, this study investigated the beliefs, values, lifestyles, and health status of adults age 75 and older who identified themselves as healthy, as well as the interactions with and observations of health care personnel who work with them. Staff participants were drawn from medical offices, a skilled nursing facility, and an assisted living site. Older adults who self-identified themselves as healthy (n = 14), as well as those who self-identified themselves as being in fair or poor health but were included per staff recommendation (n = 4), were recruited from the sites in which these staff worked. They were interviewed about health, health promotion, health care, and lifestyle. Social engagement appeared to be a strong mediating factor against chronic illness.