Coping Strategies of Iranian Elderly Women: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Successful aging is a process through which older people actively deal with their age-related changes. This study, as a part of more extensive research, explored and describes coping strategies used by Iranian elderly women in response to age-related changes. Grounded theory was used as method. Nineteen participates were recruited. The participants used problem-focused (problem solving, spending leisure time, confrontation) and emotion-focused (self-control, distancing, praying, avoidance, and escape) strategies to manage age-related changes and to keep themselves away from harm. Policy makers, nurses, and other health care providers can use the findings for developmental, educational, and preventive purposes.

This study as a PhD dissertation was supported by a grant from the Iran University of Medical Sciences. The authors are particularly grateful to the participants who shared their experiences with us.