Strategies for Living Long and Healthy Lives: Perspectives of Older African/Caribbean-American Women

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• African-American
• Caribbean-American
• Older Adult
• Aging Perspectives

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by NIA Grant No. 5P60-AG136311.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christine G. Unson

Christine G. Unson (PhD, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT) is at Southern Connecticut State University, CT

Patricia M. Trella

Patricia M. Trella (MA,Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT) was research assistant at the Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center when this study was conducted

Sutopa Chowdhury

Sutopa Chowdhury (MPH, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT) is at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence

Elizabeth M. Davis

Elizabeth M. Davis (PhD, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH) is at the Department of Communication Arts, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA