Each year we publish an issue related to aging and women's health as this is indeed the age of aging. The aging population is growing globally and we must collectively focus on the related health, social, psychological, and policy related needs- among others- to help us all successfully age. Rowe and Khan (1997) define successful aging as, “Successful aging is multidimensional, encompassing the avoidance of disease and disability, the maintenance of high physical and cognitive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities.” Although the label implies that those that don't meet a certain set of criteria are unsuccessfully aging this is not the case. Successful aging means something different for everyone. Ultimately there are no easy answers for successful aging, but an emphasis on whole mind and body rather than just one aspect are key as is the notion that what successful aging looks like is highly individualistic. I think when readers examine the articles in this particular issue, they will find collectively the authors have done a good job of coming together to help paint a complete a multidimensional picture of components that help lead to successful aging. The authors explore physical health, well-being, sexual health, communication as it relates to health, work, economic concerns, and mental health topics.
Certainly physical exercise can aid in leading to overall well-being. Sukkyung You and Kyulee Shin examine the rationale in a Korean midlife sample and found that men and women exercised for different reasons. Researchers also focus on disease in older women. Eun-Ok Im, Young Ko, Eunice Chee, Wonshik Chee, and Jun James Mao again examine mid-life women looking for racial and ethnic differences among cardiovascular symptoms clusters. Tamara J. Cadet, Shanna L. Burke, Kathleen Stewart, Tenial Howard, and Mara Schonberg use the social ecological model combined with cultural dimensions theory to explore cultural and emotional determinants of the cervical cancer screening behaviors of older Hispanic women. Mental health is certainly related to physical health. Ching-Fen Lee and Shain-May Tang explore the relationship between perceived happiness and housework in middle aged and older women and find a relationship between health of both the women and their partners plays a large part in perceived happiness. Eveline Kalomo, Kyoung Hag Lee, and Fred Besthorn further explore mental health as it relates to older caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans. Specifically they examine financial strain and depressive symptoms in this population. Not surprisingly, money matters as there is a relationship between financial strain and depressive symptoms. Sexual health and communication also impact mental and physical health. Tugba Andac and Ergul Aslan explore the impact of menopause on sexual dysfunction and desire. Caroline D. Bergeron, Heather Honore Goltz, Leigh E. Szucs, Jovanni V. Reyes, Kelly L. Wilson, Marcia G. Ory, and Matthew Lee Smith link sex with health by exploring sexuality as it relates to communication with health care providers. Their participants perceived sex to be important but did not discuss sexual health with providers. They suggest provider training to strengthen the relationship and trust would have a positive impact on older women's health and well-being.
Rowe, J. and Kahn, R.L. The Gerontologist, Volume 37, Issue 4, 1 August 1997, Pages 433–440, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/37.4.433
Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock, PhD, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2017