Self-regulation, self-efficacy and health behavior change in older adults

Models of self-regulated behavior, based on social cognitive theory, have been applied across a range of settings and with individuals who possess a variety of personal characteristics and needs. One of the most explored applications of self-regulation (SR) has been in the field of health where it has been used as a basis for the development of preventative and rehabilitation programs related to, for instance, cardiovascular disease, asthma, AIDS, arthritis, obesity, and addictions. There is a paucity of information about the application of SR models to subgroups of people such as older adults, ethnic groups, and women. This article focuses on models of SR as they apply to the health-related behaviors of older adults. It begins with a general overview of models described in the literature. It then examines the applicability of those models to health behavior change in older adults. The article also draws on literature from the field of learning in order to assess how useful these models are in designing interventions to help older people to learn about health maintenance and health restoration.