Strategies for living long and healthy lives: Perspectives of older African/Caribbean-American women

The influence of health and socioeconomic status on perceptions of aging and adaptation strategies of older African/Caribbean-American women was examined. Responses of 38 women (average age = 77.3 years) to: “What do you like and dislike about growing old?” and To what would you attribute your long life? were analyzed. Respondents were classified as: financially independent/healthy, financially dependent/healthy, financially independent/not healthy and financially dependent/not healthy. Narratives revealed declining health and restricted financial resources limited perceptions of opportunities for well-being. Despite differences in health and financial status, groups had some common strategies: avoiding risk behaviors, holding moral beliefs, optimism, altruism and spirituality. It was concluded that health and socioeconomic status had some influence on perceptions of aging and adaptation strategies.

2 citations (Crossref) [2023-10-31] tex.orcid-numbers: Unson, Christine/0000-0002-9279-1756 tex.unique-id: ISI:000259602800006 Citation Key: ISI:000259602800006