Final answer:
Health promotion and maintenance behaviors for older adults include adhering to physical activity guidelines, focusing on nutritional education for a balanced diet, applying behavior modification strategies, and staying mentally active to support cognitive health.
Step-by-step explanation:
To promote health and maintenance in older adults, healthy lifestyle choices should be adopted and followed consistently. Important behaviors include engaging in regular physical activity, incorporating healthy eating habits, and maintaining social engagements. Evidence-based recommendations suggest that older adults should include both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises in their routines, focus on nutrition that supports weight management and reduced disease risk, and seek mental stimulation to preserve cognitive health. These healthy behaviors contribute to an extended life of quality and vitality well into advanced years.
Maintain consistent physical activity that aligns with the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activities, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
Adopt a balanced diet with an emphasis on nutrition education, focusing on foods that support heart health and weight control. Incorporate behavior modification strategies, like self-monitoring and setting specific, achievable goals, to help maintain lifestyle changes over the long term. Stay mentally active through cognitive exercises and social interaction to limit the mental declines associated with aging.