• The world's population is getting older. Consequently, the World Health Organization has focused efforts on health promotion activities for these individuals.
• The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence health promotion behaviours and to describe the impact of an individualized approach to decision-making with regard to health promotion activities in a group of older adults living in a continuing care retirement community.
• The study used a single group pre- and post-test design that included a total of 134 residents. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. A McNemar test was used to compare health promotion activities pre- and postintervention. Regression analysis was used to consider the factors that influenced health promotion activities in these individuals.
• The survey included questions about health promotion activities and both mental and physical health status. In the year between baseline and follow-up testing a geriatric nurse practitioner provided both formal and informal education about health promotion activities.
• With the exception of monitoring dietary fat intake, there was not a statistically significant difference in primary and secondary health promotion behaviours pre- and post-testing. There was, however, a decline in smoking and alcohol use, an increase in physical activity and a slight decline in the percentage of older adults who engaged in cancer screenings.
• An individualized approach may be a useful way to help older adults make health decisions and engage in those health promotion activities that will increase their quality of life.