Perceptions of Aging Among Rural, Midwestern Senior Citizens: Signs of Women's Resiliency

ABSTRACT

This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine perceptions of aging among rural-dwelling senior citizens (203 women and 112 men), ages 65 and older. Quantitative results revealed that, despite no significant gender differences in the total number of medical conditions reported, women were less likely than men to report that health problems interfered with their daily functioning. Qualitative analyses revealed that women were particularly like to identify relationships, frame of mind, participating in activities, and religion/spirituality as important contributors to successful aging.

KEYWORDS:

• Women
• rural
• successful
• aging

This project was funded by a grant from the Lancy Foundation and by a Cooperative Grant from Care Connection Area Agency on Aging and Central Missouri State University. We wish to acknowledge the 2005 Lancy Scholars (Audra Abbot, Sherry Adams, Molly Arms, Angela Baxter, Casey Becker, Glenn Dutcher, and Lisa Millham) and Faculty Mentors (Julie Clawson, PhD; John Crooker, PhD; Pat Decker, PhD; Karen Doyle, PhD; Freda Herrington, PhD; Swarna Mandali, PhD, RD; and Jean Zimmer, MS, CCC-SLP), who assisted with the overall design and implementation of this research project. Additionally, we wish to thank Ms. Dianna Hoemann, Supportive Service Director for Care Connection, who consulted with the Lancy team throughout the project, as well as Dr. Margaret Stone, without whose initiative, this project would not have been possible.