abstract: There is now a welcome focus on health education topics of relevance to older people. In this study using semi-structured interviews, 20 men and women between the ages of 58 and 87, who attended an Age Concern day centre, were asked for their views on skin cancer. The results indicated limited knowledge of how to carry out skin self-examination, and a low sense of personal susceptibility to the disease. The authors conclude with a discussion of the way in which health education targeted at older people needs to take into account age-specific health beliefs, and ethical issues which are appropriate for all age groups. 29 references.
authors.affiliation: Homerton College, Cambridge School of Health Studies.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Adams