A qualitative study of older women's perceptions of control, health and ageing

Abstract

Given a commitment to ensuring health and well-being in later years, the theory of personal control may have important implications for health promotion with older women living in the community. This study explored a group of older women's expectancies for control in relation to influences which they perceived to affected health. The findings suggested that while these women retained a strong sense of personal control, cognitive coping stragegies and social support became increasingly important in old age. Further research is suggested to examine the effect of ageism and lay health beliefs on the health of this group.