Characteristics and health behavior of the aged population

Previous papers described a study of health care of the elderly focusing on providers, attitudes toward drugs and on hypertension as an important chronic disease of the elderly. The elderly themselves appear most influenced in health attitudes and behaviors by various factors within the setting so that those who identify a major source of care tend to be higher utilizers, do less shopping-around and exhibit less negative behaviors such as needing care without seeking it. Type of manpower giving care influences the nature and amount of direction in several areas of health care but, when given direction, the elderly appear to be excellent compliers. While providers have negative attitudes toward the elderly, the elderly do not report perceiving this, and future studies warrant consideration of the effects of setting and delivery modes on provider patient relationships.