Self-Concepts of Low-Income Older Women: Not Old or Poor, but Fortunate and Blessed

1997 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Smith Barusch
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Significant Component ◽  
Positive Sense

This article examines the extent to which low-income older women define themselves in stigmatizing terms, then explores the strategies they use to preserve a positive sense of self. Instead of considering themselves “old” or “poor,” the sixty-two women interviewed defined themselves as “fortunate” and/or “blessed.” The ability to see oneself as fortunate may be a significant component of successful aging.

Moving Up without Losing Your Way

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Morton
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
College Students ◽  
Social Mobility ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Upward Mobility ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
College Experience ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
Community Finding

Upward mobility through the path of higher education has been an article of faith for generations of working-class, low-income, and immigrant college students. While we know this path usually entails financial sacrifices and hard work, very little attention has been paid to the deep personal compromises such students have to make as they enter worlds vastly different from their own. Measuring the true cost of higher education for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, this book looks at the ethical dilemmas of upward mobility—the broken ties with family and friends, the severed connections with former communities, and the loss of identity—faced by students as they strive to earn a successful place in society. The book reframes the college experience, factoring in not just educational and career opportunities but also essential relationships with family, friends, and community. Finding that student strivers tend to give up the latter for the former, negating their sense of self, the book seeks to reverse this course. It urges educators to empower students with a new narrative of upward mobility—one that honestly situates ethical costs in historical, social, and economic contexts and that allows students to make informed decisions for themselves. The book paves a hopeful road so that students might achieve social mobility while retaining their best selves.

scholarly journals HIV MADE ME STRONGER: CONCEPTIONS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG OLDER WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S765-S765
Author(s):  
Anna A Rubtsova ◽  
Tonya Taylor ◽  
Gina Wingood ◽  
Igho Ofotokun ◽  
Deborah Gustafson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Stable Phase ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Little is known about successful aging (SA) among older (50+) women living with HIV (OWLH). Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine subjective understandings of SA among OWLH. Participants were OWLH enrolled in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) and those not enrolled in WIHS: 8 in Atlanta, GA (3 WIHS and 5 non-WIHS) and 9 in Brooklyn, NY (6 WIHS and 3 non-WIHS). Semi-structured interviews ranged from 30 to 120 minutes. Several themes emerged in participants’ definitions of SA, e.g. self-care, taking HIV medications, and being resilient (“HIV made me stronger”). Both WIHS and non-WIHS participants emphasized life course perspective in their definitions of SA -- women viewed their aging successful as a more stable phase of life in contrast to hardships they experienced while being younger (e.g., drug use, incarceration). Data collection efforts are ongoing and will allow further characterization of SA among this population.

scholarly journals Knowledge produced on the health of low-income older women: an integrative review

2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 875-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Evangelista Tavares ◽  
Maria Cristina Pinto de Jesus ◽  
Samara Macedo Cordeiro ◽  
Daniel Rodrigues Machado ◽  
Vanessa Augusta Braga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Exclusion Criteria

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the knowledge produced on the health of low-income older women. Method: an integrative review was conducted in February 2016 on the SCOPUS, CINAHL, MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE databases, and in the SciELO journals directory. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 articles were selected. Results: the knowledge produced comprises two main themes: "health in face of economic adversities" and "reciprocity in social support between low-income older women and their social network". Final considerations: health professionals, especially nurses, should be attentive to aspects related to social determinants and the health of low-income older women, highlighting the fact that they are not always the recipients of care.

Short-term community-based exercise programs in low-income older women: Does exercise intensity and modality matters?

2021 ◽  
pp. 111591
Author(s):  
Vanessa Teixeira do Amaral ◽  
Bianca Fernandes ◽  
Awassi Yuphiwa Ngomane ◽  
Isabela Roque Marçal ◽  
Gabriel de Souza Zanini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Community Based

Beauty in Later Life: Older Women's Perceptions of Physical Attractiveness

2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C. Hurd Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Physical Attractiveness ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Women’S Perceptions ◽  
Fashion Models ◽  
Beauty Ideals ◽  
Female Bodies ◽  
Using Data

ABSTRACTUsing data from 96 hours of semi-structured interviews with women aged 61 to 92, this paper explores the meanings that older women attribute to beauty and aging. The women in my study tend to equate physical attractiveness with youthfulness and slimness. However, they reject the extremes of thinness embodied in today's fashion models and actresses. Even as they disparage obese individuals, the women argue that thin older women appear scrawny. The women express a preference for more rounded female bodies than current beauty standards allow and emphasize the importance of inner beauty. While some women view their wrinkles negatively, others suggest that their facial creases are badges of honour. I argue that older women do not simply internalize beauty ideals to the detriment of their sense of self. Rather, older women resist and challenge current ideals of feminine attractiveness and suggest alternative beauty ideals and definitions of personal desirability.

scholarly journals Stigma and self-esteem across societies: avoiding blanket psychological responses to gay men experiencing homophobia

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 167-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karyofyllis Zervoulis ◽  
Evanthia Lyons ◽  
Sokratis Dinos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Two Cities ◽  
Positive Sense ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The City ◽  
Different Levels

Aims and methodThe relationship between homophobia (varying from actual and perceived to internalised) and measures of well-being is well documented. A study in Athens, Greece and London, UK attempted to examine this relationship in two cities with potentially different levels of homophobia. One-hundred and eighty-eight men who have sex with men (MSM) living in London and 173 MSM living in Athens completed a survey investigating their views on their sexuality, perceptions of local homophobia and their identity evaluation in terms of global self-esteem.ResultsThe results confirmed a negative association between homophobia and self-esteem within each city sample. However, Athens MSM, despite perceiving significantly higher levels of local homophobia than London MSM, did not differ on most indicators of internalised homophobia and scored higher on global self-esteem than London MSM. The city context had a significant impact on the relationship.Clinical implicationsThe findings are discussed in relation to the implications they pose for mental health professionals dealing with MSM from communities experiencing variable societal stigmatisation and its effect on a positive sense of self.

scholarly journals On the Hunt for Noble Savages: Romance Tourism and Ageing Femininities

Societies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Ieva Stončikaitė
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Information Campaigns ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Romance Tourism

Casual sexual encounters are closely wedded to leisure travel, and have received a lot of attention in both theoretical and empirical work. However, the relationship between romance tourism and female ageing remains largely under-researched. This article offers critical insights into the interplay of the successful ageing and sexual relationships abroad of older women travellers. It shows that romance tourism has both positive and negative implications for women’s physical and psychological health and wellbeing. Although exotic escapes help reconnect women with their youthful selves, enhancing a sense of self-confidence and challenging the narrative of decline, casual sex may also generate conflicting feelings once the travel romance is over. This article also encourages the rethinking of the complexities of ageing femininities, sexual activity and health risk in ‘silver’ romance tourism today. Additionally, it argues that the sexual health guidelines and information campaigns should adopt a more multifaceted approach to sexual expressions, and encourage alternative views towards sex and sexuality in later life, in order to not create a rather oppressive ideology among older women.

scholarly journals Individual and Environmental Barriers to Successful Aging

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daphne C. Hernandez ◽  
Craig A. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Environmental Barriers ◽  
Aging Adults

The cornerstone to successful aging is maintaining a consistent physical activity routine and healthy diet. This is particular important for aging adults to preserve their independence. However, for low-income aging adults there are significant individual and environmental barriers that reduce their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Understanding how environmental supports can be found in existing programs geared toward older adults is a way to insure long-term behavioral changes.

Aging, Resilience and Vulnerability of Selected Faculty and Staff (55 years old and above) in an Academic Community in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina T. Castillo-Carandang ◽  
Girlie Nora A. Abrigo ◽  
Emilia S. Visco ◽  
Shelley Ann F. de la Vega ◽  
Louise Antonette S. Villanueva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Identity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
The Body ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Older Employees ◽  
Faculty And Staff

Introduction. A demographic shift towards population aging is evident worldwide. This presents challenges particularly to low-income and middle-income countries like the Philippines. Understanding perceptions of aging, resilience, vulnerability, and gender identity will help prepare the health care system and social services in addressing the needs of the Filipino older population. Objective. To describe gender identity, perceptions of active aging, successful aging, resilience, and vulnerabilityamong faculty and staff (working, retired) in an academic community in the Philippines. Methods. Survey and focus group discussions were conducted among working and retired faculty and staff aged 55 years old and above. Results, Analysis, and Discussion. Almost all respondents had the same gender identity as their biological sex. There were differences in the respondents’ perceptions of active aging and successful aging and in their sources of strength and worries. Compared with retired respondents more working respondents believed that active aging meant being strong and physically active or being involved in sports. Female respondents thought that being socially active in their community and church was indicative of active aging. In contrast, male respondents equated being physically healthy with active aging. More working respondents and females (than retired and male respondents) thought that successful aging meant participating in community-based activities. In terms of vulnerability, differences were noted in the respondents’ sources of strength and worries. In general, retired respondents and female respondents said they got their strength from their grandchildren and from their religion. In contrast, working respondents and male respondents relied on their families for strength. It was also noteworthy that more retired respondents did not have any old agerelated worries compared with working respondents. Female respondents worried about their families while male respondents worried about death. Subjective nuances of being an older working or a retired employee in an academic community surfaced in the FGDs. The importance of context was evident in shaping the informants’ perceptions of active aging and frailty, and in their sources of worries and happiness. Overall, this paper adds to the body of knowledge about aging in the Philippines by studying a group of older Filipinos in an academic community. It showed that particular aspects of Filipino culture such as gender roles, religion, and close family ties permeate one’s life until he or she reaches old age. The results can help academic communities in policy formulation and program development to ensure that their older employees — throughout theirlife course — can adequately address vulnerability and resiliency needs to achieve active and successful aging.

Reconsidering Change and Continuity in Later Life: Toward an Innovation Theory of Successful Aging

2007 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galit Nimrod ◽  
Douglas A. Kleiber
Keyword(s):  
Activity Theory ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Purposive Sample

This article examines the patterns and meanings of innovation in the activities of a group of retirees with an eye toward understanding the place and value of innovation in the aging process. Starting with a consideration of continuity theory, as a perspective that simply describes typical patterns of activity, and activity theory that prescribes expansion of activities as a key to well-being, this article highlights the characteristics, meanings and perceived benefits of a wide variety of innovative activities. The study utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 male and female retirees involved in a “Learning and Retirement” program. Innovations that both preserve a sense of self (internal continuity) as well as those that allow one to strike out in entirely new direction are described, and, using a process of constant comparison, their motivational dynamics are explored. Given previous arguments that activity can be indiscriminate and disintegrative in some circumstances, we nevertheless suggest that innovation can be growth producing and liberating, even in later life, while at the same time generally protecting a sense of internal continuity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document