The preventive health practices of older men and women were examined from interviews with a community sample of 172 adults aged 64-96. Differences between men and women were found with only 10 of the 37 individual health practices. A mixed pattern was found in the relationship of personal and demographic characteristics, life outlook, self-health perceptions, and social network with health practices. The results suggest caution in interpreting how age and gender interact to influence the preventive health practices and health behaviors of older adults.
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