A Study of Older Women's Perceptions of Aging

Abstract

Today, longevity is the norm, especially for women. How a woman ages and her quality of life, depends on health, income, and how she feels about herself and aging. This study explores the perceptions that elderly women have of themselves, specifically self-esteem, aging, and quality of life. A review of the literature suggests that "myths" and "ageism" create prejudices toward the elderly population. The physical changes associated with aging create false perceptions of older women, and that there is a striking contrast between myth and reality as it relates to older women and aging. This study examines myths, ageism, older women, self-esteem, measurement of aging, life cycle of aging, and successful aging. A survey analysis was used for this study. A demographic survey provides the profiles for each respondent. Interviews were conducted with nine older women ranging in ages from 81 to 97. The respondents were given opportunities to tell their life story and their perception of aging. Themes were selected by identifying key words from the transcribed responses and data collected from the demographic survey. The following themes were identified: health, widowhood, loneliness, caring for others/volunteering, independent living/sense of control, sense of humor, and positive attitude. Quotations are used to illustrate the themes and their importance to women as they age. The results of this study provide valuable insights and an awareness about how an individual's attitude toward life and how they feel toward herself affect the quality of life as she ages.