Purpose This study aims to examine the recent literature on health-promoting behavior, health needs and associated factors among older adults. Design/methodology/approach An massive search of five databases involving documents in the past decade was commenced. Findings This review showed a significant relationship between older adults’ demographic characteristics (marital status, income, chronic disease, education level and smoking status) and health-promoting behaviors. This review showed that older adults with a high level of education, high income, chronic diseases and smoker and married older adults are associated with better health-promoting behaviors. Originality/value The result of the current review supports the Pender Health Promotion Model that individual personal characteristics can affect the level of engagement in health-promoting behaviors. Assessing the health-promoting behaviors of older adults can help in identifying their health needs.