Abstract
A health education programme, focusing on access to and adoption of healthier lifestyles towards cardiovascular risks in the elderly, was implemented in the population of two Open Care Centres for the Elderly (KAPI) in Nea Ionia, an urban municipality in the greater Athens area. The results of this intervention were compared with those in a control group of the other two KAPIs in the same city, where no health education intervention was implemented. There was observed a statistically significant decrease of body weight, salt intake, smoking, as well as an increase in the daily walking time in the intervention but not in the control group. The alcohol consumption, however, was reduced in both groups. In this study people with known hypertension, diabetes or hypercholesterolaemia seem to have modified their habits and improved their compliance with treatment. It was then concluded that a well-designed health promotion programme, based on integrated health education methodology and using existing community structures, may affect attitudes and modify behaviours in the elderly.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
