[Health behaviors of middle-aged adults]

Abstract

Middle age is the term used to describe the transition between early and late adulthood. Declining physical functions and increased stress resulting from family and work obligations create important health challenges among middle-aged adults, therefore maintaining good health behaviors is particularly important for members of this population. Work responsibilities make it particularly hard for many middle-aged adults to participate in health-related activities. The purpose of this paper is to integrate literature related to health behaviors of middle-aged adults to understand their behavior practice and characteristics. In Taiwan, middle-aged adults (especially male breadwinners) are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut, with these behaviors tending to be clustered. Gender-specific strategies for managing multiple substance use and abuse and better enforcement of public health policies are needed to promote positive health behaviors among middle-aged Taiwanese adults.