Gender Specifics of Healthy Ageing in Older Age as Seen by Women and Men (70+): A Focus Group Study.
Katja SchladitzFranziska FörsterMichael WagnerKathrin HeserHans-Helmut KönigAndré HajekBirgitt WieseAlexander PabstSteffi G Riedel-HellerMargrit LöbnerPublished in: International journal of environmental research and public health (2022)
(1) The rising proportion of older adults in the population represents a challenge for the healthcare system. Women and men age differently. This study aims to examine gender-specific characteristics of health in old age from male and female perspectives. (2) Two focus groups were formed in this qualitative study of older (70+) women ( n = 10) and men ( n = 8) in accordance with the theoretical framework of the World Health Organization (WHO) on healthy ageing determinants. The data were audio recorded and fully transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was performed using MAXQDA. (3) In both focus groups (average age: women 77.1 years, men 74.9 years), gender-specific characteristics regarding healthy ageing were discussed. Women focused on healthy eating, while men focused on an active lifestyle and meaningful activities. Physical and social activities were considered as important for healthy ageing in both groups. (4) Important gender-specific characteristics of health in old age were identified and recommendations for gender-unspecific and gender-specific recommendations were derived. The results provide important information for promoting and maintaining health in old age. Women and men show both similarities and differences in terms of health-related needs and individual experiences. We suggest gender-specific features in nutrition and health programs for older adults.
Keyphrases
- mental health
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- physical activity
- public health
- healthcare
- middle aged
- pregnancy outcomes
- health information
- cervical cancer screening
- breast cancer risk
- weight loss
- cardiovascular disease
- systematic review
- health promotion
- pregnant women
- clinical practice
- electronic health record
- type diabetes
- social media
- skeletal muscle
- deep learning