Experiences Of Older Women Research Articles

Capsule commentary on Schonberg et al., Older women's experience with a benign breast biopsy—a mixed methods study.

Women 65 years and older are commonly screened for breast cancer with mammography. Models estimate that screening 1,000 women biannually for 10 years after the age of 69 would result in two fewer cancer deaths, 200 false positive mammograms, and 13 cases of over-diagnosis (breast cancer that would not have been clinically evident otherwise).1 The study by Schonberg et al. evaluates the effects of benign breast biopsies upon older women, using validated scales of psychological and physical consequences measured at the time of biopsy and after 6 months, and uses qualitative data to develop a conceptual model of undergoing a benign breast biopsy.2 At the time of biopsy, 76 % of women reported negative psychological consequences, which persisted at 6 months for 39 %. After 6 months, one in five women felt that worry interfered with their daily activities, and there was a trend for women with ≤ 9 years life expectancy to have higher negative psychological consequences compared to healthier women. Women also noted competing health issues in the qualitative data, all of which support the need for personalized decision making to balance risks and benefits of breast cancer screening in this age group. Opportunities identified for optimizing the experience of breast biopsies for women include positive interactions with radiology staff and physicians and systematic processes that minimize the wait time for test results. Women want information that explains biopsy procedures and diagnosis-specific information post-biopsy. Patient education materials would need to reflect current recommendations,3 particularly for diagnoses that are associated with higher risk for breast cancer, such as atypia, and to acknowledge the paucity of evidence supporting mortality benefit from such follow-up. Delivering this information via the primary care provider, with whom women wanted to communicate, would improve on-going shared decision making about future breast cancer screening. Decision aids that personalize screening recommendations based upon women’s competing medical issues and life expectancy4,5 would ideally be easily accessible in the primary care setting within an electronic medical record. These supports are needed to decrease the harms of breast cancer screening among women 65 years and older.

Older women's experience with a benign breast biopsy—a mixed methods study.

Little is known about older women's experience with a benign breast biopsy. To examine the psychological impact and experience of women ≥ 65 years of age with a benign breast biopsy. Prospective cohort study using quantitative and qualitative methods. Three Boston-based breast imaging centers. Ninety-four English-speaking women ≥ 65 years without dementia referred for breast biopsy as a result of an abnormal mammogram, not aware of their biopsy results at baseline, and with a subsequent negative biopsy. We interviewed women at the time of breast biopsy (before women knew their results) and 6 months post-biopsy. At both interviews, participants completed the validated negative psychological consequences of screening mammography questionnaire (PCQ, scores range from 0 to 36 [high distress], PCQ ≥ 1 suggests a psychological consequence, PCQs <1 are reported at time of screening) and women responded to open-ended questions about their experience. At follow-up, participants described the quality of information received after their benign breast biopsy. We used a linear mixed effects model to examine if PCQs declined over time. We also reviewed participants' open-ended comments for themes. Overall, 88% (83/94) of participants were non-Hispanic white and 33% (31/94) had a high-school degree or less. At biopsy, 76% (71/94) reported negative psychological consequences from their biopsy compared to 39% (37/94) at follow-up (p < 0.01). In open-ended comments, participants noted the anxiety (29%, 27/94) and discomfort (28%, 26/94) experienced at biopsy (especially from positioning on the biopsy table). Participants requested more information to prepare for a biopsy and to interpret their negative results. Forty-four percent (39/89) reported at least a little anxiety about future mammograms. The high psychological burden of a benign breast biopsy among older women significantly diminishes with time but does not completely resolve. To reduce this burden, older women need more information about undergoing a breast biopsy.

The experience of Korean immigrant women adjusting to Canadian society.

The acculturation process is an important factor in the experience of all immigrants. Although previous studies have indicated the challenges faced by Korean immigrants, little attention has been paid to Korean women's immigration experiences. A focused ethnography was used to examine midlife and older Korean immigrant women's experiences following their immigration to Canada. Fifteen women were interviewed in a city in Western Canada. The findings showed that in coming to Canada, women focused on caring for their children and often sacrificed their personal dreams. They had to be employed to support their families, and received support from family and government. Women participated regularly in a Korean Church and drew on their Christian faith to ease their adjustment. They retained hopes for the future including good health and a better life for their children. Most women indicated that it was difficult to integrate into Canadian society but they never gave up on their adjustment to a new culture. In this manuscript, the adjustment experience of the immigrant women is discussed in the context of an acculturation framework. The findings will enhance health professionals' awareness of adjustment patterns and associated challenges to Korean immigrant women's quality of life.

Sex, desire and pleasure: considering the experiences of older Australian women

Older age is often associated with asexuality. That is, older individuals are not viewed as desiring of sex, nor as sexually desirable to others. Broader social and cultural norms that downplay women's sexual desire and agency further compound these phenomena. Whether this popular image accurately reflects older women's sexual desires, behaviour and capacity to experience pleasure is unclear. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 43 partnered Australian women aged 55–81, this article considers women's sexual experiences and desires in older age. The findings of our research confirm that older women's experiences of sex and sexual desire are diverse and fluid. Some of the factors that influenced participants’ sexual behaviour and desire will be considered in this article, as will their understandings of what “counts” as sexual satisfaction and “successful sex”. The factors affecting sexual behaviour and desire also influence the way in which women are able to negotiate sexual interaction with their partners. Participants expressed a need for education and resources in order to gain greater control and to make autonomous choices over their sexual experiences, desire and ability to give and receive pleasure. The implications of these findings for practitioners are also considered.

Older women's experience with breast cancer treatment decisions.

The purpose of this study was to better understand older women's experience with breast cancer treatment decisions. We conducted a longitudinal study of non-demented, English-speaking women ≥ 65 years recruited from three Boston-based breast imaging centers. We interviewed women at the time of breast biopsy (before they knew their results) and 6 months later. At baseline, we assessed intention to accept different breast cancer treatments, sociodemographic, and health characteristics. At follow-up, we asked women about their involvement in treatment decisions, to describe how they chose a treatment, and influencing factors. We assessed tumor characteristics through chart abstraction. We used quantitative and qualitative analyses. Seventy women (43 ≥ 75 years) completed both interviews and were diagnosed with breast cancer; 91 % were non-Hispanic white. At baseline, women 75+ were less likely than women 65-74 to report that they would accept surgery and/or take a medication for ≥ 5 years if recommended for breast disease. Women 75+ were ultimately less likely to receive hormonal therapy for estrogen receptor positive tumors than women 65-74. Women 75+ asked their surgeons fewer questions about their treatment options and were less likely to seek information from other sources. A surgeon's recommendation was the most influential factor affecting older women's treatment decisions. In open-ended comments, 17 women reported having no perceived choice about treatment and 42 stated they simply followed their physician's recommendation for at least one treatment choice. In conclusion, to improve care of older women with breast cancer, interventions are needed to increase their engagement in treatment decision-making.

Older women, embodiment and yoga practice

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we consider the ageing body and the ‘body techniques’ practised by older women within their yoga classes. The paper emphasises the importance of exploring alternative definitions of the human condition, how these are shaped and assembled through particular embodied practices which are realised personally and socially. Taking a contextualised phenomenological approach, older women's experiences are made visible through interview and participant observation. Unlike much sporting practice, the body techniques managed by the women did not emphasise sporting prowess but provided for an integration of body and mind. In the process, biological ageing was accepted yet the women maintained control over the process, troubling prevailing narratives of ageing, declining control and increasing weakness that are taken for granted in much of Western society. The paper highlights the significance of socially rooted ontological embodiment in understanding the ageing body and particular bodily practices.

Older women's experiences of suffering from urinary tract infections

To describe and explore older women's experiences of having had repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections among older women. Approximately one-third of very old women suffer from at least one UTI each year. Despite the high incidence of UTI, little is known about the impact of UTI on health and daily life in older women. A qualitative descriptive design. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 20 Swedish women aged 67-96 years who suffered from repeated UTIs the preceding year. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Two main themes were identified: being in a state of manageable suffering and depending on alleviation. Being in a state of manageable suffering was described in terms of experiencing physical and psychological health problems, struggling to deal with the illness and being restricted in daily life. Depending on alleviation was illustrated in terms of having access to relief but also receiving inadequate care. This study demonstrated that UTIs are a serious health problem among older women that not only affects both physical and mental health but also has serious social consequences. The women in this study described the physical and psychological health problems, struggling to deal with the illness, being restricted in daily life, depending on access to relief and receiving inadequate care. It is important to improve the knowledge about how UTI affects the health of older women. This knowledge may help nurses develop strategies to support these women. One important part in the supportive strategies is that nurses can educate these women in self-care.

Older Rural Women Moving Up and Moving On in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Purpose: Cardiac disease often strikes without warning. Its sudden nature interrupts the lives of individuals and families. Recovery from cardiac events may take months or even years. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an essential step in the recovery process. CR improves physical fitness and provides education for the reduction of risk factors for future cardiac events. Women are known to be under-referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Women are also under-represented in CR research, are less likely to attend CR than men, and may have worse outcomes than men. Little is known about the experiences of older rural women in CR. The purpose of this study was to describe and interpret the experiences of older women who lived in rural communities and attended CR. Sample: A purposive sample of 10 women (ages 60-83) was recruited from three CR centers in Pennsylvania and New York. All women were residents of rural communities and had been discharged from CR. Method: Participants were enrolled in a phenomenological study to identify the meaning of CR for older rural women. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using van Manen’s methodology. Findings: Three themes emerged from the study: (a) companionship, (b) hospitality, and (c) accomplishment. Conclusions: The women described CR as a program offering companionship in an atmosphere of hospitality to assist women in accomplishing their personal goals. The study has implications for nursing practice, education, policy, and theory development in rural nursing. Key Words: older rural women, cardiac rehabilitation, phenomenology, companionship, hospitality, accomplishment

Formerly Homeless, Older Women's Experiences with Health, Housing, and Aging

The perspectives of formerly homeless, older women are absent in the academic literature on aging and homelessness. In this study, a group of formerly homeless women, aged 45 years and older were surveyed (N = 15) and interviewed (n = 11) about their experiences with health, housing, and aging. The qualitative themes to be explored include the women's perceptions of their current health, coping with low incomes, dealing with addictions to alcohol and drugs, and the importance of supportive housing and other community services. The female participants' views on adapting to home, planning for their elderly years, and views on growing older are also explored.

Translating research findings into community based theatre: More than a dead man's wife

Increasingly, qualitative scholars in health and social sciences are turning to innovative strategies as a way of translating research findings into informative, accessible and enjoyable forms for the community. The aim of this article is to describe how the research findings of a doctoral thesis – a narrative study about 58 older women's experiences of widowhood – were translated into a unique and professionally developed script to form the basis for a successful theatrical production that has travelled extensively within Australia. This article reports on the process of collaboration between a researcher, a highly regarded Australian actor/script writer and an ensemble of well-known and experienced professional actors. Together the collaborating partners translated the research data and findings about growing older and ‘widowhood’ into a high quality theatre production. In particular, we argue in this paper that research-based theatre is an appropriate medium for communicating research findings about important life issues of concern to older people in a safe, affirming and entertaining manner. By outlining the process of translating research findings into theatre we hope to show that there is a real value in this translation approach for both researcher and audience alike.

Older African American women's lived experiences with depression and coping behaviours

Little is known about older African American women's lived experiences with depression. What does depression mean to this group? What are they doing about their depression? Unfortunately, these questions are unanswered. This study examined older African American women's lived experiences with depression and coping behaviours. The common sense model provided the theoretical framework for present study. Thirteen community-dwelling African American women aged 60 and older (M = 71 years) participated. Using qualitative phenomenological data analysis, results showed the women held beliefs about factors that can cause depression including experiences of trauma, poverty and disempowerment. Results also indicated the women believed that depression is a normal reaction to life circumstances and did not see the need to seek professional treatment for depression. They coped by use of culturally sanctioned behaviours including religious practices and resilience. It appears these women's beliefs about depression and use of culturally sanctioned coping behaviours might potentially be a barrier to seeking professional mental healthcare, which could result in missed opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of depression among this group. Implications for research, educational and clinical interventions are discussed.

Remembering the past, looking to the future: Christmas as a symbol of change in later life widowhood

ABSTRACTMany older women experience the loss of a spouse or partner in later life. This paper explores older women's experiences of Christmas in order to locate process and meaning in relation to the transition of later life widowhood. Drawing on longitudinal data, derived from three in-depth interviews conducted over 18 months with 26 older widows, this paper presents a number of themes from the women's accounts of their Christmas celebrations and their Christmas cards. The importance of continuity, social relations and autonomy is situated in three emergent themes: ‘Family, intergenerational ties and tradition’, ‘Friendships, organisational ties and reciprocity’ and ‘Personal continuity and activation’. The significance of discontinuity, change and mediation is illustrated through three emergent themes: ‘Christmas as a catalyst for change’, ‘We are all widows’ and ‘Negotiating change with others’. The findings, including the positive aspects of continuity and discontinuity, demonstrate that Christmas is a potent symbol of both personal and social transformation during later life widowhood, and that the management of transition incorporates not only social relations, but also personal agency and flexibility. This paper further challenges the predominantly negative stereotype of older widows and illustrates their resilience and growth in the later stages of life.

Transitioning From Caregiving to Widowhood

ContextOlder women commonly assume a caregiving role for their husbands at the end of life and are more vulnerable to poorer health, well-being, and social and economic challenges. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to ascertain older women's experiences of spousal caregiving at the end of life and the ways in which this experience impacts on the transition to widowhood. MethodsLongitudinal, in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with older women three times over a one-year period after the death of their husbands. This report focuses on the initial interviews that examined the transition from caregiving to widowhood. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis methods. Participants were community-dwelling women older than 65 years who had recently been caregivers for their husbands who died within the past two years. ResultsOlder women caregivers described their caregiver role as taxing, particularly in light of their own chronic conditions that they failed to prioritize and address. They did not ask for help in managing their roles and health problems, but quietly endured. Hence, they did not communicate their needs or strains explicitly. The degree of perceived adequacy of communication and interaction with health professionals were important factors impacting on their bereavement. ConclusionIt is imperative for health professionals to appreciate that older women caregivers may need more supportive interaction and information during the end-of-life caregiving, they may have expectations of communication, and they may deny or fail to focus on their own health issues. A patient/family/carer-centered approach could negate this oversight and improve the outcomes for these women as they transition into widowhood.

“Oh My God, I'm Home”: The Socioreligious Significance of Gay Older Women's Experiences of Women's Bars Before Stonewall

This article examines the narratives of 57 older gay women about their experiences in gay women's bars in the United States during the pre-Stonewall era (1945–1969). Cartier's (2010) concept of “theelogy” is used to develop two parallel theories that illustrate the meaning of the bars for these women. Christian rituals are used to outline the socioreligious significance of the bars, while achieving self-acceptance is expressed through language that illustrates interconnectedness (including “to see each other” and “to have each other”). The article closes by addressing the significance of these theories and this approach to spirituality for the field of gerontology.

Menopausal Perceptions and Experiences of Older Women from Selected Sites in Botswana

Objective: To assess the menopausal perceptions and experiences of older women from selected sites in Botswana. Design: This study used snowball sampling to recruit 444 older women in four health districts of Botswana. Trained research assistants administered a structured questionnaire to determine respondents’ menopausal symptoms, perceptions and knowledge of menopause and sexual experiences. Multiple logistic regression procedures were used to evaluate the association of socio-demographic characteristics with knowledge of menopause and factor analysis was used to cluster menopausal symptoms. Results: Participants had low levels of knowledge and awareness of menopause. The three most common changes identified were weakening of bones (78%), changes in sex drive (69.6%), and difficulty working (56.2%). The majority of respondents perceived menopause as freedom from menstrual cycles (85%) and cost saving (65%). Employment status was significantly associated with knowledge of menopause. The mean age at menopause was 48.9 years. With an average life expectancy of 54.5 years, there remains about 6 years of postmenopausal life. Recommendation: Public health care systems in and beyond Botswana should mobilize resources and take measures to improve older women’s awareness and knowledge about menopause-related changes through educational training and guidance to maintain active, healthy lives.

Improvement of Older Women's Sexuality Through Emancipatory Education

The purpose of this action research (AR) was to explore the ways in which sexuality is experienced daily and to improve the expression of older women's sexuality. The pedagogy of autonomy as proposed by the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire theoretically supported this AR, with the participation of six older adult women living in a rural setting in southwest Brazil. The older women's experiences regarding sexuality, their concerns, and their educational demands could be summarized through five phrases: the improvement of self-esteem as a way to promote sexuality; sexuality impaired by loneliness and lack of affection; men's sexual satisfaction seen as a woman's obligation; women's sexuality controlled by the society; and relinquishment of the companion to attend to the expectations of family members. Dialogical and participative educational approaches and continuous observation–participation strategies were performed to support the women's care and educational requirements.

Timing, Experience, Benefits, and Barriers: Older Women's Uptake and Adherence to an Exercise Program

In this article we examine the experiences of older women who participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) physical activity intervention designed to test the influence of exercise on executive function (cognition). Specifically, we were interested in why these women joined the RCT exercise program (uptake) and why they continued (adherence). Data were collected from 84 older women enrolled in the RCT (average age 69.6 years) in 10 focus group sessions at two time points. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. The findings showed that a range of factors influence both exercise uptake and adherence: timing in one's life, previous experience, physical benefits, personal barriers, and commitment. Our research findings have implications for understanding exercise and physical activity in later life as well as offering suggestions for programming.

Living into old age with the consequences of breast cancer

Purpose of the researchBreast cancer survival rates are improving with over 60% likely to live 20 years. As 30% diagnoses occur in women over 70 the prevalence of breast cancer survivors living into older age is increasing. The specific needs and experiences of this group have rarely been addressed. This study aimed to explore older women's experience of living with breast cancer alongside other health conditions, and to identify their information and support needs and preferences. Methods and sampleData were collected from 28 semi-structured qualitative interviews and 2 focus groups (n = 14), with breast cancer survivors aged 70–90, and were analysed using thematic analysis. Key resultsThese older breast cancer survivors experienced a range of long-term physical problems resulting from treatment, including poor cosmetic results and poor shoulder movements, and bras and prostheses were often unsuitable. Many were keen to preserve their body image ideal irrespective of age. Reconstruction was rarely discussed, but all would have liked this option. Older women wanted to be treated as individuals rather than uniformly as older people, with their personal physical and social needs (including co-morbidities) taken into account. They expressed a preference for information direct from health professionals. ConclusionsMany breast cancer survivors will live into advanced old age with permanent physical and emotional consequences of their treatment. Holistic and personalized assessment of needs becomes increasingly important with age, particularly with comorbidity. Effective rehabilitative care is important to reduce the impact of breast cancer into old age.

The lives of our mad mothers: Aging and contemporary performance

This paper investigates representations of aging in contemporary British and Irish theatre. The turn towards portraits of female, as opposed to male, aging in theatre, popular television comedy, and literature is notable. It is the purpose of this paper, therefore, to excavate the politics that lie beneath this cultural development. While, of course, older women have long populated the stage, it is the contention of this article that it is recent years that one can witness a concern to stage particular aspects of the lived experiences of older women's lives in contemporary British and Irish society. Through an examination of stereotype, comedy, illness roles, acting, intergenerational heritage, tragedy, and politics, this paper seeks to better understand the politics of staging age.

It is never too late to win – sporting activities and performances of ageing women

Sport is an area in which masculinity, youth and their achievements are celebrated and rewarded. Thus, ageing women face a double barrier when they wish to participate and perform in an endeavour which is currently of major interest in the industrialized world. However, the understanding of women and ageing is undergoing change, because of changing gender arrangements, the spread of enhancement technologies and a new approach of older women to their lives. Furthermore, statistics and studies indicate that the participation of older women in competitive sports has become a socio-cultural phenomenon which raises the question of how older women experience and negotiate ageing as well as participation in performance sports. This article presents theoretical approaches to the intersecting concepts of gender and age in the context of physicality and sport, provides information about the growing participation of older women in sporting activities and competitions, and offers potential explanations for the increasing sports interest and performance orientation among older middle-class women in Western countries.