Scholarly record

THE ELDERLY`S HEALTHY LIFE STYLE AND HEALTH PROMOTION

L. Motlova, I. Brabcova, L. Sedova, H. Hajduchova, S. Bartlova

Abstract

Background: With regard to the demographic ageing of the population, healthy ageing and health literacy of the elderly population, including both healthcare and prevention of diseases and health promotion, represent a hot topic. The health promotion in the elderly is focused on getting information and particularly on the practical application of the information to actual situations. The healthy lifestyle in the old age supports the physical and psychological condition of the elderly population. The elderly need to have sufficient information and knowledge concerning not only healthy life style and health promotion, but also the prevention of diseases associated with the old age. Aim: The aim of the qualitative study was to explore the selected indicators of health literacy of the elderly population above 65 in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic with regard to healthy life styles and health promotion. Methods: A qualitative research strategy using semi-structured dialogues was selected, the Snowball Sampling method was used. The research set consisted of 19 elderly informants living in the South Bohemian Region, the Czech Republic. The informants (P1 – P19, the mean age being 74, minimum age – 67, maximum age – 88) were chosen by an intentional selection. After finishing the dialogues, the data were transcribed, reduced and divided into categories. The data obtained were processed by open coding using the Atlas.ti 7 software for qualitative processing. Results: For the purpose of this study, the results were divided into the categories of healthy life style and health promotion, which were processed in mind maps and subsequently described in detail. It follows from the results that the elderly`s health literacy needs to be improved. It is obvious that the elderly need to acquire healthy life styles particularly concerning adequate exercise, sleeping and appropriate nutrition. Conclusion: The elderly also need to be involved in health promotion programs, especially at the community level. The elderly`s active approach to the ageing process and the responsibility for their own health are of the same importance. The authors are aware of the limitations of the results of this study as it relates only to one of the 14 regions of the Czech Republic. This research was supported by resources assigned for the development of science and research of the Faculty of Health and Social Science of the University of South Bohemia in ?eské Bud?jovice, No. ZGO2016_001.

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