Ciência & Saúde Coletiva
Print version ISSN 1413-8123
PINO, Margarita; RICOY, Maria Carmen and PORTELA, Julio. Design, implementation and evaluation of a health education program for the elderly. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2010, vol.15, n.6, pp. 2965-2972. ISSN 1413-8123. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232010000600035.
The objective was to design, implement and evaluate a health education program, using the analysis of the habits that harm the health of people over 65 years old. An evaluative research was carried out from a multiple case study in the North-West area of Spain, combining both the quantitative and the qualitative approach. A questionnaire and interview were used as tools for data collection. The elderly take a lot of medicines and also treat themselves. A small group smoke and drink alcohol. Over 25% have sedentary habits and their average body mass rate was 30.55. The implementation of the programme has significantly influenced their quality of life. Elderly people have deep rooted unhealthy habits. The achievement of educational contents improved their quality of life. However, they are reluctant to assume new habits, even though they are healthy.
Keywords : Evaluation of programs; Educational intervention; Health education; Elderly people; Educational gerontology.