Models and theories of health behavior and clinical interventions in aging: a contemporary, integrative approach

Background: Historically, influential models and theories of health behavior employed in aging research view human behavior as determined by conscious processes that involve intentional motives and beliefs. We examine the evolution, strengths, and weaknesses of this approach; then offer a contemporary definition of the mind, provide support for it, and discuss the implications it has for the design of behavioral interventions in research on aging. Methods: A narrative review was conducted. Results: Traditionally, models and theories used to either predict or change health behaviors in aging have not viewed the mind as encompassing embodied and relational processes nor have they given adequate attention to multi-level, in-the-moment determinants of health behavior. Discussion: Future theory and research in aging would benefit from a broader integrative model of health behavior. The effects of adverse life experience and changes in biological systems with aging and chronic disease on health behavior warrant increased attention.