Wellness self-care by healthy older adults.

PURPOSE

To examine self-care behaviors in healthy older adults. The number of older adults continues to increase. Nurses need a framework for understanding and supporting healthy behaviors in this population.

DESIGN

Descriptive.

METHOD

Data about self-care behaviors were elicited in 1997 about how healthy older adults stay well. Using a key-informant criterion and critical case approach, a small convenience sample of 28 older adults (ages 57-83) responded to a questionnaire based on a self-care wellness model.

FINDINGS

Age was not related to differences in healthy behaviors. Many informants reported no digestive or sleep difficulties. All were active, regularly kept in touch with family and friends, were confident their environment was safe, obtained sufficient sleep and rest, and managed stress well. All but one attributed their quality of life and zest for living to remaining active, eating healthy food, exercising, pacing themselves, doing preferred activities, and reading the Bible, or "feeding the life of the mind."

CONCLUSIONS

Participant statements of actions can provide inspiration for less-active seniors and a beginning framework for nurses for understanding and supporting wellness self-care behaviors in older adults.