Evaluative classifications and rating scales as presently applied to health education were reviewed and summarized. In addition, evaluative activities and research directions in health education conducted as part of health care services for the aged were reviewed, and future challenges surveyed. 1. Evaluative classifications were divided according to the time of application between: A) evaluation of performance and B) evaluation of results. 2. Evaluative scales for Category A) were classified as: (1)quantitative volume of performance; (2)process; (3)fundamental supportive systems. Those for Category B) were classified as: (1)changes in knowledge, attitude, behavior; (2)objective state of health; (3)financial aspects; (4)subjective state of health, QOL; (5)social support. 3. On the basis of the previous studies, evaluative activities and research directions were examined in light of: evaluation of performance; evaluation of results; correspondence of performance to results; accuracy of evaluative scales; evaluative activities in practice. 4. In view of the foregoing findings, it appears that more efforts should be directed in the future to the study of "process" and "fundamental supportive systems" for Category A) and "subjective health, QOL" and "social support" for Category B). In addition, it is necessary to develop evaluative scales for assessing subjective changes and changes in knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Assessment of the validity of various scales is also required.