Concepts in health promotion. Perceived self-efficacy and barriers in older adults.

Many older adults have reached later life in apparent good health while others' lack of self-care activities has greatly accelerated the process of aging. In this article, self-efficacy and perceived barriers are explored as significant concepts that influence the self-care activities of elderly individuals. A conceptual model is presented depicting perceived self-efficacy and barriers as determinants of self-care activities. This conceptual model differs from earlier health promotion models because it is specific for older adults. Based on empirical studies, this conceptual model demonstrates that the variables of perceived self-efficacy and barriers have a profound effect on an older adult's participation in self-care activities. Testing of this model is needed to provide a knowledge base for designing health promotion strategies, maximizing cost containment strategies, and contributing to Healthy People 2010 objectives of increasing quality of life for all older adults.