Health promotion and the older population: expanding our theoretical horizons.

As the year 2000 approaches (and beyond) more health educators will be involved in the implementation of health promotion programs and related activities specifically designed for the older population. Most health educators draw upon a variety of theoretical frameworks as they design programs. Traditionally, health education has been grounded in behavior change theories such as the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and Bandura's Social Learning/Cognitive Theories. When the focus is gerontological, however, an opportunity exits to expand health education's theoretical horizons by incorporating features drawn from gerontology itself. Principles of adult cognitive development, social gerontology and person-environment fit can potentially complement and supplement those models already in use as more programs are targeted for a growing older population.