Participation in health promotion activities and related factors among the elderly in a selected district in Taipei City, Taiwan

Objectives: This study investigated participation in health promotion activities, related motivators and barriers among the elderly in a selected district in Taipei City, Taiwan. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 375 persons over the age of 65 years. A stratified random sampling method was used, and the subjects were divided into three age groups: 65 to 74 years of age, 75 to 84 years of age, and 85 years of age and older. The data was collected by personal interviews to complete the structured questionnaires including demographics, motivators to participation in health promotion activity scale and barriers to participation in health promotion activity scale. Results: The participation rate of the health promotion activities in this study was 35.5%. The most popular activity was health screenings. Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that statistically significant factors influencing participation included female gender, voluntary participation, fewer barriers to information about the activity, lower degrees of individual disability, and higher external incentives for participation. Conclusions: When one is planning health promotion activities in the elderly, the channels for disseminating information should be considered. The physical, visual, hearing and literacy levels of the elderly should be taken into account, and they should be encouraged to become volunteers. We suggest that the Government focus on physical activity for the elderly, integrate community resources, and plan barrier-free facilities and transportation systems to enhance their willingness to participate in health promotion activities in order to maintain their health and prevent or delay disability. {Taiwan J Public Health. 2016;35(6):642-657).