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Self‐Image of People in Their Fifties
Author(s) -
Jamjan Laiad,
Jerayingmongkol Prapasri
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-2018.2002.01140_10.x
Subject(s) - health promotion , gerontology , psychology , mood , club , health care , perception , medicine , public health , clinical psychology , nursing , neuroscience , economics , anatomy , economic growth
People in their fifties experience a transitional phase in aging. The impact of physical and emotional change is considerable due to deteriorated health and economic status. With the onset of aging, self‐image of the pre‐senescent provides an understanding of one's perceptions and thoughts on aging. Therefore, increased awareness of the pre‐senescents’ needs has resulted in further development of the nurse's role in health promotion. The main aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of self‐image, a key factor of health promotion in the pre‐senescent. The study participants consisted of 10 women in their fifties from the Aging Club at 43rd Health Center, Bangkok, Thailand. Focus group interview was used to explore self‐image. The interview focused on the concept of health, aging, retirement, and the impact of change. Health results: The majority (80%) of the participants agreed that the definition of health was the equilibrium of basic needs. The definition of good health to them was a delightful mood. They described the concept of good health as either the balance of excretion, sleep and rest, or being free of disease and personal illness. Three participants complained of health problems because they had to take care of their husbands. Deteriorated health was found to be the stimulus to such aging states as blurred vision, hearing loss, menopause, and osteoporosis. Aging: The participants accepted that aging was a naturally occurring phenomenon. ‘Age is only a number’, ‘If our minds are still young, our bodies will be youthful.’ They did not want to be called ‘old’. Retirement: Represents a time when they will be lonely and lack financial support. This also was described as the autumn of life. It was seen as the time to enjoy the golden years of life. The impact of changes: The participants experienced emotional changes such as increased sensitivity of feelings and needed family support. They also complained of physical changes (i.e. loss of appetite, teeth and agility). Only one participant, who had improved her emotional maturity, was proud of aging. Conclusion: For the pre‐senescent, the aging transition begins with the changes in one's physical and mental condition. An optimistic attitude towards this process enables the pre‐senescent to approach and better accept the process of aging. Nurses therefore need to continue to develop holistic approaches in caring for the aging.