Factors associated with participation in a senior health promotion program.

The health status and life-style characteristics of participants in a senior health promotion program were compared with those of nonparticipants from the same HMO enrollee population. Nonparticipation was associated with lower income, less education, and lower involvement in community organizations. Although nonparticipants smoked more and evaluated their health less favorably than did participants, other risky behaviors and health status indicators differed little between the groups.