Abstract
Health promotion behavior is one of the main criteria for determining health that is recognized as the basic factor in catching numerous diseases. Aim of this study: to identify the factors affecting health promoting behaviors of elderly in rural areas. Subjects and method: A Descriptive research design was utilized. This study was conducted in four villages. The total number of sample was 1000 elderly. An interview questionnaire was used to collect data about: Personal information and availability of health care services, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile scale (HPLPII), perception of chronic diseases and social support scale. Results: The main results of study 46.9% had moderate total health promoting behaviors while 42.6% had low total health promoting behaviors. Statistically significant difference between all personal data of elderly and their total health promoting behaviors. Also It was noticed that majority (89,9 %) of elderly have social support. Conclusion: the total score of elderly's health promoting behaviors who were living in Assiut & Sohag governorates ranged between the low and moderate level. Recommendations: The routine services for the elderly should improve the ability of health personnel to provide knowledge and information on HPB as well as to educate the caregivers and to motivate the elderly to engage in daily practice of HPB.