65 years and older individuals with hypertension perception levels of aging and their tendency to achieve a healthy lifestyle: A cross-sectional and correlational study

This study was conducted to determine the level of perception of aging and the tendency to achieve a healthy lifestyle in 290 individuals over the age of 65 who were diagnosed with hypertension. In this cross-sectional and correlational study, the Propensity to Achieve Healthy Lifestyle Scale and the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire were applied.The mean score of the individuals participating in the study was 18.0 ± 6.0 on the Propensity to Achieve Healthy Lifestyle Scale and 53.49 ± 5.79 on the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire. The mean score of the Propensity to Achieve Healthy Lifestyle Scale was higher in individuals who were married, diagnosed with hypertension 1–4 years ago, evaluated their own health status as ‘excellent,’ restricted salt in the diet, performed regular physical activity and went to the doctor’s control (p < .05). The total scores of the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire of illiterate, literate and primary school graduates were higher than those of secondary school graduates (p < .05). There is a positive, low and significant relationship between the total score of the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire and the total score of the Propensity to Achieve Healthy Lifestyle Scale (r = 0.116; p < .05). Individuals over 65 years of age have a moderate tendency to perceive old age positively and to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The tendencies of older adults to adopt a healthy lifestyle and their perceptions of aging have varied according to various sociodemographic and health-related factors. There is a relationship between healthy lifestyle trends and perceptions of aging. It is recommended that individual characteristics be considered when developing interventions to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors in older adults.