Development of the health-promotion activities of older adults measure

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop an instrument to measure participation in health promotion that was specific to the unique needs of the aging population. Development of instruments that are psychometrically sound and have been used with older adults represents a critical step in the design and implementation of health promotion strategies specific to the aged. The Health-Promotion Activities of Older Adults Measure is a 44-item instrument composed of five subscales: Collaborative Health Management/Injury Prevention, Stress Reduction/Rest and Relaxation, Exercise, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Nutrition. This instrument was developed and tested with two distinct populations of older adults; evidence supportive of validity, and very acceptable reliabilities, were found. Further use and examination of this instrument are indicated.