Recently the number of elderly have been increasing at a rapid pace in Korea. Accompanying this aged society are numerous health problems. Whit this in mind health-promotion behaviors such as physical activity. good nutrition and stress management are vitally important to the elderly in reducing the risk of Health problems, maintaining health and improving the overall quality of life. Health promotion programs for the elderly must be developed. The purpose of th is study was to determine influential cognitive factors on health-promotion behaviors and the effects of previously implemented Health promotion programs. For this, previous studies were reviewed and analyzed. The results were as follows. 1. Cognitive factors on health-promotion behaviors were internal locus of control, perceived health status, self-efficacy, concerns about health, social support, attending social activities. 2. Components of health promotion programs were exercise and health education. Exercise was performed in most programs. The effects of exercise programs were improved flexibility, muscle strength. balance, cardiopulmonary function and elevated ability of daily living, perceived health status, quality of lift and a decrease depression. The results strongly suggest that complex health promotion programs should be developed. Health promotion programs need to include exercise, health education, health counseling and social activities. We have to consider cognitive factors on health-promotion behaviors.