Older adults' self-rated health and differences by age and gender: A quantitative study

Josefsson, Karin; Andersson, Marie; Erikstedt, Annika

doi:10.12715/har.2016.5.1

Cited by 16 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Many factors (eg, socioeconomic status, family characteristics, and living arrangement) have been proposed to explain the health inequality among the elderly (7,9,14). In the present study, widowhood of older women might account for the gender differences in psychological health.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 69%

“…Older women in Singapore also had a poorer health status (self-reported health, chronic illness, and functional disability) in comparison with older men (14). Apparently, gender inequalities in health among the elderly in Asia are similar to Western countries, eg, Sweden, Spain, and Italy (7,8,15).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…Also, older women experience significantly more health problems than older men (7)(8)(9). Therefore, it is necessary to determine if such health inequalities exist among the elderly in Hong Kong.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Psychological Health of Older Women in Hong Kong: Do Demographic Characteristics Make a Difference?

Boey

2017

Women Health Bull

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Background: The aging population of Hong Kong is rapidly growing. Although older adults enjoy a relatively long life expectancy, their psychological health is ranked near the bottom in the world. Objectives: This study assessed the psychological health of older women in Hong Kong and compared it with that of older men. It also aimed to examine if demographic characteristics have similar effects on the psychological health of older women and men. Methods: A standardized questionnaire was administered in face-to-face interviews with 554 participants (288 women and 266 men), aged 70 years or above. Psychological health was measured by the general health questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30), center for epidemiologic studies-depression (CES-D) scale, and life satisfaction index (LSI). Chi square test was performed to examine gender differences in psychological health and determine the relationship between demographic characteristics and psychological health of the elderly. Results: Compared with older men, a greater proportion of older women were at risk of mild psychiatric problems (22.1% vs. 12.3%, P < 0.001), depression (38.6 vs. 18.8%, P < 0.001), and dissatisfaction with life (38.5% vs. 21.5%, P = 0.002). The correlation of psychological health with age, marital status, and educational attainment was not similar among older women and men. Conclusions: Health promotion programs should be implemented to reduce health inequalities among men and women. Effectiveness of programs can be enhanced by targeting the elderly whose psychological health is most vulnerable.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 69%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

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Psychological Health of Older Women in Hong Kong: Do Demographic Characteristics Make a Difference?

Boey

2017

Women Health Bull

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“…Health problems are perceived as normal, and medical problems are accepted and tolerated without complete loss of the sense of well-being. However, some studies indicate differences between men and women to the health benefit of men [24][25][26] . Josefsson et al [24] also found age differences.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, some studies indicate differences between men and women to the health benefit of men [24][25][26] . Josefsson et al [24] also found age differences. Older adults aged 65-79, rate their health as relatively good while, hardly surprising, the estimate of quality of health falls from 80-84 years of age.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The meaning of growing old: A lifeworld hermeneutic study on existential matters during the third age of life

Palmér¹,

Nyström²,

Carlsson³

et al. 2019

har

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Dalheim-Englund aThis study investigates existential matters in the third age of life, which encompasses the years after retirement and ends when extensive support needs emerge in the fourth age. As the theoretical starting point in a lifeworld hermeneutic approach, 18 healthy older adults were interviewed about what it means for them to grow old. The interviews were interpreted according to Gadamer's principles of openness and Ricoeur's proposal to provide suggestions on how meaning can be explained. The findings are presented in three interpreted themes: Feeling free, Becoming vulnerable, and Existing in closeness to death. The themes are further interpreted, and a comprehensive understanding is reached with theoretical support from Jean-Paul Sartre's idea of factuality and project. The meaning of growing old is discussed in terms of positive factors, such as healthy aging, transition and gerotranscendence, but also in respect to concerns over future suffering in relation to illness and dependence. It is concluded that the freedom of the third age is greatly appreciated for a healthy life, but also threatened by increased risks of ill health. It is not morbidity in itself that worries most, but the risk of being dependent on care and support from others. This is important to consider when planning and performing care in order to promote a healthy aging.

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Gender and psychological well-being in older adults

Matud

Bethencourth

Ibáñez

et al. 2020

Int. Psychogeriatr.

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Objectives: Gender is an important social determinant of health, but gender has played only a marginal role in the geriatric and gerontology research and practice. The aim of this study was to examine the relevance of gender to the psychological well-being of older adults. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Setting: The study was carried out in Spain. Participants: A total of 1,201 people aged between 65 and 94. Measurements: The participants completed sociodemographic data and four questionnaires: The Bem sex role inventory, the Ryff’s psychological well-being scale, the York self-esteem inventory, and the Social support scale. Results: Men scored higher than women in self-acceptance, autonomy, purpose in life, and environmental mastery. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that, although the most important predictors of psychological well-being in both women and men were self-esteem and social support, both masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits were associated with higher psychological well-being, although the effect size was higher for the masculine/instrumental trait. Furthermore, education was associated with psychological well-being in the case of females. Conclusions: Gender plays an important role in the psychological well-being of older adults. The results of this research are relevant for healthcare providers and policy-makers interested in promoting successful aging and increasing the well-being of older people.

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Older adults' self-rated health and differences by age and gender: A quantitative study

Cited by 16 publications

References 22 publications

Psychological Health of Older Women in Hong Kong: Do Demographic Characteristics Make a Difference?

Psychological Health of Older Women in Hong Kong: Do Demographic Characteristics Make a Difference?

The meaning of growing old: A lifeworld hermeneutic study on existential matters during the third age of life

Gender and psychological well-being in older adults

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