Health behaviors of an elderly Filipino group.

More than 69 million elderly people are expected to be living in the United States by the year 2050 (American Association of Retired Persons, 1991). For public health nurses, this rapidly growing, diverse population poses a challenge. P. Ebersol and P. Hess (1994) suggest that health care professionals must become skilled in understanding the health needs and practices of the diverse, heterogeneous aged if they are to help the elderly achieve more healthful, satisfying existences. According to two studies, M. Nemcek (1990) and J. Flaskerud and C. Rush (1989), health behaviors of the elderly vary among and within cultural groups. The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to examine how culture effects the health behaviors of 52 elderly Filipino women and men. The Health Behavior Survey was designed and used by the researchers in this study. Unhealthy behaviors identified were inclusion of fried foods in diet, weight gain, and little or no exercise. Because of the value placed on personal health by the participants, it appears the group would be receptive to a health promotion program which would increase their probability for a healthy life.