Although considerable data exist linking individual lifestyle variables to health outcomes, little is known about how the elderly differ from younger adults with respect to both their health seeking behavior and their beliefs about health. A national survey contrasted 155 persons aged 65 years of age or older with 1100 younger adults in order to identify behavioral and affective differences in health associated with age. In general the elderly were more likely to report poorer health and to be less optimistic about the degree of control possessed over their future health status, although they were significantly more likely to comply with salutary dietary practices than were their young counterparts. They also reported considering these practices as more important and rated their self-efficacy with respect to effecting them considerably higher. While more compliant with a number of preventive behaviors, the elderly were significantly deficient in certain specific areas such as exercise, having their cholesterol blood levels monitored regularly, participating in medical treatment decisions, and in their knowledge with respect to cancer prevention. It was concluded that these data have the potential to provide a relatively comprehensive picture of the elderly's health seeking experiences and beliefs and to serve as a mechanism by which both strengths and deficits therein are identifiable. (Author/NB)