Can Social Support Predict Health‑Promoting Behaviors among Community‑Dwelling Older Adults?

Introduction: Because health‑promoting behavior is one of the major determinants of health, this study was conducted to determine whether social support predicts health‑promoting behaviors in elderly people living in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive and cross‑sectional study, 180 elderly people referring to the health complexes in Tabriz, Iran, were selected using a random cluster sampling method. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Health‑Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple linear regression models. Results: The mean age of 180 elderly people who participated in the study was 66.9 ± 5.74 years. The results of multiple regression indicated that education (B = 8.98, P 0.001) and perceived social support (B = 0.45, P 0.014) explained ~29% of changes in health‑promoting behaviors among the elderly. Conclusion: Given the predictive role of perceived social support in health‑promoting behaviors, establishing or strengthening supportive social networks seems to be one of the effective factors in promoting the elderly’s health.