J Korean Community Nurs.  2002 Mar;13(1):39-48.

The Correlational Study on Health-promoting Behavior, Life Satisfaction and Self-esteem of the Elderly

• Choi YH
• Paek KS

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to describe the correlation among the elderly's health-promoting behavior, life satisfaction and sel-festeem. METHOD: The subjects were a volunteer sample of 200 elderly in Kyungsan city. The instruments for this study were Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile(47 items), Life Satisfaction Scale(20 items) and Self-Esteem Scale(10 items). Frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan test and Pearson's correlation coefficient with SAS program were used to analyze the data. RESULT: 1) The average item score for the health-promoting behavior was 3.23; the highest score on the subscale was self-actualization and nutrition(M=3.45) with the lowest being exercise(M=2.98). 2) The average item score for the life satisfaction was 2.98. 3) The average item score for the self-esteem was 3.41. 4) Health-promoting behavior was significantly different according to age, marital status, religion and participation in society circles. 5) Life satisfaction was significantly different according to marital status and participation in society circles. 6) Self-esteem was significantly different according to participation in society circles. 7) Health-promoting behavior was positively related to life satisfaction and self-esteem. Life satisfaction was positively related to self-esteem.
CONCLUSION
It follows from this study that there is a very strong correlation among the elderly's health-promoting behavior, life satisfaction and self-esteem. Therefore health promoting programs that increase life satisfaction and self-esteem should be developed to promote a healthy lifestyle of the elderly.

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Humans
Life Style
Marital Status
Volunteers