Representações sociais e práticas corporais de rejuvenescimento para mulheres de meia-idade / Social representations and bodily practices of rejuvenation for middle-aged women

Utilizando-se do aporte teórico das representações sociais, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre as representações sociais (RS) do rejuvenescimento com práticas corporais relativas a este objeto em mulheres de meia idade, enfatizando atitudes, crenças e normas como elementos de mediação entre os dois construtos. Um levantamento de dados foi realizado com 100 mulheres de meia-idade (M=49 anos e 8 meses; DP= 6 anos e 9 meses) e o instrumento utilizado consistiu em um questionário estruturado. Foram consideradas 8 práticas corporais de rejuvenescimento, divididas em duas modalidades: práticas não invasivas (práticas alimentares, exercícios físicos, cosméticos/cremes anti-idade e tinturas para cabelo) e práticas minimamente invasivas e invasivas (Botox, peeling químico, preenchimento cutâneo e cirurgia plástica). Foram realizadas análises descritivo-relacionais, com auxílio do software SPSS. Os resultados mostram ampla aceitação de práticas corporais de rejuvenescimento, com maior aprovação de práticas não invasivas do que minimamente invasivas e invasivas. O rejuvenescimento enquanto objeto de saúde e bem-estar subjetivo foi uma representação compartilhada por todas as mulheres, no entanto, enquanto objeto de beleza, observaram-se crenças positivas entre as mulheres com atitudes mais favoráveis às práticas corporais de rejuvenescimento e negativas entre as desfavoráveis a estas práticas. As atitudes, crenças e normas referentes às práticas de rejuvenescimento se relacionaram à maior intencionalidade de adoção destas práticas, assim como a adoção concreta. Os resultados sugerem que há relação entre RS do rejuvenescimento e as práticas corporais relativa a este objeto, embora sejam necessários outros estudos para abordar em detalhes esta relação. (AU)

Using the theoretical framework of social representations (SR), this research aimed at analysing the relationship between the SR of rejuvenation and their associated body practices of rejuvenation among middle-aged women, emphasizing attitudes, beliefs and norms as elements of negotiation between the two constructs. A survey was conducted with 100 middle-aged women (M=49 years and 8 months; SD= 6 years and 9 months) and it used a structured questionnaire. It was considered 8 rejuvenation body practices, divided into two modalities: non-invasive practices (feeding practices, physical exercises, cosmetics/ anti-aging creams and dyeing of white hair) and minimally invasive and invasive practices (botox, chemical peels, dermal filling and plastic surgery). Descriptive-relational analyzes were performed with the support of the software SPSS. The results suggest wide acceptation of rejuvenation body practices, in special the non-invasive ones when compared with invasive and minimally invasive practices. The rejuvenation as an object of health and subjective well-being was a representation shared by all women, however, as an object of beauty, positive beliefs were observed among women with attitudes more favorable to body rejuvenation practices and negative among those unfavorable to these practices. The attitudes, beliefs and norms regarding rejuvenation practices were related to the greater intentionality of adopting these practices, as well as the concrete adoption. The results suggest that there is a relationship between RS of rejuvenation and body practices regarding this object, although further studies are needed to address this relationship in detail. (AU)

Adaptação cultural do Questionário Reduzido de Autorregulação: sugestões de aplicação para área de voz / Cultural adaptation of the short Self-Regulation Questionnaire: suggestions for the speech area

RESUMO Objetivo Apresentar a versão traduzida e adaptada linguística e culturalmente para o português brasileiro do Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) e verificar sua aplicabilidade para pacientes com disfonia. Método O SSRQ é um instrumento para avaliar a capacidade de autorregular o comportamento; possui 31 itens e gera três escores: o índice total da capacidade de autorregulação individual e os escores estabelecimento de objetivos e controle de impulsos. Cada item deve ser graduado por meio de uma escala de Likert de 5 pontos; o escore total varia de 29 a 145 pontos. O instrumento original foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para o português brasileiro por duas fonoaudiólogas fluentes em inglês, que combinaram suas traduções e realizaram ajustes linguísticos para compor uma versão única final. Essa versão foi retrotraduzida para o inglês por uma terceira fonoaudióloga com experiência em estudos de validação e sem conhecimento do instrumento original. A tradução e a retrotradução foram comparadas entre si e ao instrumento original em inglês por cinco fonoaudiólogas que chegaram a um consenso para mudanças adicionais. Dessa forma, produziu-se a versão final, chamada Questionário Reduzido de Autorregulação (QRAR), que foi aplicado em 45 indivíduos com e sem disfonia, escolhidos de forma aleatória em uma clínica escola. Resultados Nenhum item teve de ser eliminado, já que os respondentes não encontraram dificuldades em marcar suas respostas. Conclusão O Questionário Reduzido de Autorregulação (QRAR) foi traduzido e adaptado cultural e linguisticamente para o português brasileiro e pode ser aplicado, com êxito, em indivíduos com problemas de voz.

ABSTRACT Purpose To present the translated and linguistic and culturally adapted version of the Short self-regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) for the Brazilian Portuguese and to check its applicability to patients with dysphonia. Methods The SSRQ is a tool used to evaluate the ability to self-regulate behavior; it has 31 items and generates three scores: total index of individual self-regulation capacity and partial scores for goal setting and impulse control. Each item should be scored by means of a Likert-type 5-point scale; the total score ranges from 29 to 145 points. The original instrument was translated and culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese by two English-speaking speech therapists who combined their translations and made linguistic adjustments to compose a single final version. This version was back-translated by a third speech therapist with experience in validation studies and without knowledge of the original instrument. The translation and the back-translation were compared with each other and with the original English version by five speech therapists that reached a consensus on additional changes. In this way, the final version was produced. This was called "Questionário Reduzido de Autorregulação" (QRAR). The QRAR was applied to 45 randomly chosen subjects with and without dysphonia in a teaching clinic. Results No item had to be eliminated, since the respondents did not find it difficult to indicate their answers. Conclusion The "Questionário Reduzido de Autorregulação" (QRAR) has been successfully translated and culturally and linguistically adapted to Brazilian and Portuguese and can be applied to individuals with voice problems.

Systemic Trans- and Postoperative Evaluations of Patients Undergoing Dental Implant Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine the trans- and postoperative systemic characteristics of patients undergoing dental implant surgery and to investigate the relationship between pre- and post- surgery anxiety levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were analyzed in 3 call centers to determine anxiety levels, pain levels, and preoperative and postoperative histories using the State-Trait (STAI) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 93 dental implants were installed, with a success rate of 100%. The most frequently reported systemic disease was hypertension. There was a significantly higher rate of effective clamping (torque) to the mandibular bone than to the maxillary bone. The association between postoperative surgical complications and longer operative time was not significant, but there was a significant correlation between the alteration of mouth opening and daily routine activities and a significant decrease in anxiety levels between the day of surgery and the postoperative time point (p =0.006). CONCLUSION: A longer surgical time was associated with surgery-related complications and with a higher anxiety index on the preoperative evaluation.

Competencias socio-emocionales en adultos mayores de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Socio-emotional competencies in elderly in the city of Buenos Aires

Con el aumento de la población de adultos mayores, se plantean importantes retos a nivel internacional. Los estudios se focalizaron en factores demográficos, cognitivos y físicos, en cambio, los emocionales fueron escasamente investigados en esta etapa vital. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el patrón de competencias socioemocionales en 53 adultos mayores (M =69; DE =4.2), de ambos sexos, y comparar sus diferencias con 53 jóvenes adultos. A todos los participantes se les administró el Inventario de Competencias Socioemocionales (ICSE; Mikulic, 2013). Los resultados indican que los adultos mayores muestran significativamente mayor optimismo, asertividad, regulación emocional y autonomía, a diferencia de los más jóvenes. Estos hallazgos pueden permitir diseñar intervenciones focalizadas en el aprendizaje de nuevas competencias. Asimismo, permitirían potenciar y mejorar competencias adquiridas pero no desarrolladas aún, con el fin último de que el adulto mayor pueda contar con recursos para afrontar los cambios inherentes a esta etapa vital...

Um estudo sobre a vivência da gravidez tardia / A study on the experiences of late pregnancy

Atualmente, no Brasil e no mundo, há um aumento do número de mulheres que postergam a gravidez para após os 35 anos em função da estabilidade profissional, espera de um relacionamento, infertilidade, incerteza sobre o desejo de ser mãe. Independente do motivo, na proporção em que acontece, o aumento do número de mulheres que vivenciam a gravidez tardia configura-se um fenômeno irreversível, que só tende a aumentar. Esta pesquisa teve como objeto a vivência da gravidez tardia e seus objetivos foram: descrever a vivência da mulher que engravida após os 35 anos e analisar a vivência sob a perspectiva de gênero e vulnerabilidade. Estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, tendo como técnica de coleta de dados a entrevista aberta, realizada com 16 mulheres no ciclo gravídico puerperal, com idade entre 36 e 48 anos, internadas em duas maternidades públicas, cenários da pesquisa, situadas no município do Rio de Janeiro. Foram observados os princípios da Resolução nº 466 de 12 de dezembro de 2012 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde. Realizou-se análise temática dos dados categorizados. O estudo mostrou que fazem parte da vivência da mulher que engravida após os 35 anos, o desejo de ser mãe; aspectos positivos relativos à idade, maturidade, discernimento, profissão mais definida, aspectos que interferem favoravelmente na relação com a criança; e como aspectos negativos, cansaço, discriminação geracional e problemas de saúde. A espiritualidade, religiosidade e rede de apoio fortalecem a mulher para o enfrentamento de possíveis dificuldades. O planejamento familiar mostrou-se inexistente para as participantes e conclui-se que ao postergar a gravidez a mulher reduz a sua prole. Os resultados evidenciaram que para o planejamento da assistência o enfermeiro ou profissional de saúde deve trabalhar em equipe e conhecer o risco e a vulnerabilidade (individual, social e programática) da sua cliente...

Currently in Brazil and worldwide, there is an increase in the number of women postponing pregnancy to after 35 years due to the job security, expecting a relationship, infertility, uncertainty about desire to be mother. Regardless of the reason, to the extent that happens, increased number of women who experienced late pregnancy sets up an irreversible phenomenon, which only tends to increase. This research had as its object the experience of late pregnancy and its objectives were to describe the experience of a woman who becomes pregnant after 35 years and analysis the experience from the perspective of gender and vulnerability. Descriptive study with a qualitative approach with the technique of gathering data open interviews were conducted with 16 women in cycle age 36 to 48 years admitted to public hospitals, research sceneries, located in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The principles of Resolution nº 466 of December 12, 2012 Council National Health were observed to categorize the data, thematic analysis steps. were observed. The study showed that compose the experiences of women who are pregnancy after 35 years, the desire to be a mother, positive aspects as age, maturity, judgment, more defined profession, aspects that impacts positively on the relationships with the child., As negative aspects, fatigue, age discrimination and health problems. Spiritually, religiosity and support network empower women to face possible difficulties. The contraception in family proved nonexistent for participates and was concluded that by postponing the pregnancy women reduces the number of children, The results showed that are planning nurses, health professionals must work as team and know the risk and vulnerability (individual, social, programmatic)...

Consciência Fonológica e a Aprendizagem da Leitura e Escrita por Adultos / Phononlogical Awereness and Adult Literacy

O presente estudo examina o papel de diferentes habilidades de consciênciafonológica para a aprendizagem inicial da leitura e da escrita por jovens e adultos no Português Brasileiro, considerando outras habilidades linguístico-cognitivas que concorrem para este aprendizado como a habilidade verbal, memória e os níveis iniciais de leitura e de escrita com os quais os participantes ingressaram na Educação de Jovens e Adultos. Foram avaliados no início e ao final do ano letivo, trinta e oito jovens e adultos matriculados em classes de alfabetização no Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados mostraram que o nível inicial de leitura e a habilidade de segmentação foram os melhores preditores do desenvolvimento tanto da leitura quanto da escrita ao final do ano letivo...

The present study examined the importance of phonological awareness to adult literacy in Brazilian Portuguese, taking into consideration other cognitive and linguistic skills such as verbal ability, memory and initial levels of reading and writing. Thirty-eight adults in literacy classes in Rio de Janeiro were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the school year. The results showed that the initial level of reading and segmentation skills were the best predictors of the development of reading and writing at the end of the academic year...

¿Crisis de adolescentes o crisis de adultos? / ¿Teenagers crisis or adults crisis?

Este artículo tiene como propósito la divulgación de una investigación cuyo objetivo fue caracterizar el significado contemporáneo del adulto en dos grupos etarios de la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia). Los tópicos centrales sobre los que se funda tal caracterización son la percepción sobre los adultos referentes, la manera como han vivido esa relación con sus adultos cercanos y la propia actitud frente a la adultez y su papel como referentes de las generaciones más jóvenes. La metodología del estudio fue cualitativa, las estrategias para la recolección de información fueron 20 entrevistas semiestructuradas y la aplicación de un test proyectivo. Los resultados muestran que hay un desdibujamiento de la adultez en la contemporaneidad, pues sus características cada vez resultan menos evidentes en los adultos.

This article aims to communicate the results a research which purpose was to characterize the contemporary meaning of adulthood in two age groups in Medellin city (Colombia). The central topics in which such characterization is founded are the perception about adults' function as reference, the way how people experience life with close adults and the attitude toward adulthood and its role as reference to younger generations. The method was qualitative; the strategies to collect information were 20 semistructured interviews and the application of a projective test. The results shows that there is a blurring of adulthood nowadays, so its characteristics are less evident every time.

Idosos que moram sozinhos: desafios e potencialidades do cotidiano / Elderly people living alone: challenges and potential of daily life

O estudo enfoca os desafios e as potencialidades vivenciados por idosos que residem sozinhos em seus domicílios.Tem como objetivos identificar as causas que contribuem para o idoso viver só em domicílio e descrever os desafios e as potencialidades vivenciadas pelo idoso que vive só. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, tendo como informantes dez idosos que residem em domicílios unipessoais, em um bairro periférico no município de Jequié (BA). As informações foram coletadas em maio e junho de 2005, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, sendo analisadas e categorizadas mediante a técnica de análise temática. Os relatos permitiram identificar-se como causas que contribuem para os idosos morarem sozinhos: morte de familiares, separação conjugal, busca da individualidade e insuficiência econômica para o sustento de uma família. No tocante aos desafios e potencialidades vivenciados no cotidiano desses idosos, encontram-se aqueles relacionados ao risco para enfermidades, ao autocuidado, à segurança física e à insuficiência econômica, denotando que são inúmeras as dificuldades vivenciadas por esses indivíduos e que as possibilidades de enfrentamento são agravadas pelo viver/envelhecer solitário. Tais considerações levam à necessidade de se buscar, por parte do enfermeiro e demais membros da equipe de saúde, um atendimento mais adequado aos idosos que moram sozinhos, atentando para seus sentimentos, percepções, desafios e potencialidades, na tentativa de promover sua saúde física e mental, motivar a convivência social e possibilitaruma visão positiva da vida.

Women's quality of life: University of the Third Age, Goiás, Brazil / Calidad de vida de mujeres: Universidad Abierta a la Tercera Edad de Goiás, Brasil

Objectives Assessing the quality of life (QOL) of elderly women attending the University of the Third Age (UNATI) at the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil. Methods This was a descriptive, observational study of 38 elderly women aged 60 or older. A socio-demographic information form and the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOLOLD questionnaires were applied for QOL assessment. Results Most women were aged 60-69 (58.8 percent). The WHOQOL-BREF QOL scores in the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains bore no statistical relevance; however, the general QOL before (67.86±2.91) and after (60.71±8.71) attending UNATI had p=0.049 significance. As for the WHOQOL-OLD, only the sensorial functioning domain (before: 61.84±20.74; after: 71.38±17.66; p=0.014) and the death and dying domain were significant (before: 56.36±25.48; after: 67.27±25.35; p=0.001). Conclusions The elderly women demonstrated typical socio-demographic characteristics and their concerns to stay healthy within possible income, socialisation and health delivery service patterns were considered good. The WHOQOL-BREF revealed that the general domain played a major role compared to other domains. The sensorial functioning and the death and dying domains on the WHOQOL-OLD characterised this particular population's anxieties, wishes and gender needs.

Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue avaluar mujeres ancianas que frecuentan la Universidad Abierta a la Tercera Edad (UNATI), en la Universidad Estadual de Goiás/ Brasil, con relación a la calidad de vida (CV). Métodos Estudio observacional de tipo descriptivo con 38 mujeres ancianas, con edad igual o superior a 60 aà±os. Fue aplicado un cuestionario socio-demográfico y evaluación de la CV instrumentada por Whoqol-Bref y Whoqol-OldResultados La edad de mayor frecuencia fue de 60 a 69 aà±os (58,8 por ciento). Los puntajes de CV de Whoqo-Bref de los dominios Físico, Psicológico, Relación Social y Medio Ambiente no tuvieron relevancia estadística. Sin embargo, la CV antes (67,86 ± 2,91) y después (60,71 ± 8,71) de la participación en la UNATI presentó diferencias significativas (p=0,049). En el Whogo-Bref, sólo los dominios Funcionamiento Sensorial (antes: 61,84 ± 20,74; después: 71,38 ± 17,66; p 0,014) y Muerte y Muriendo (antes: 56,36 ± 25,48; después: 67,27 ± 25,35; p 0,001), fueron significantes. Conclusiones Las ancianas presentan características socio-demográficas propias, y se considera bueno los cuidados para mantener la salud dentro de los patrones posibles de rendimiento, socialización y oferta de los servicios de salud. Whogol-Bref reveló que el dominio General tuvo papel preponderante con respecto a los demás dominios. En el Whogol-Old, los dominios Funcionamiento Sensorial y, Muerte y Muriendo, caracterizan a la población en sus ansiedades, sus deseos y en las necesidades del género.

Late-midlife and older couples' shared possible selves and psychological well-being during times of illness: the role of collaborative problem solving.

We investigated associations between spouses' shared possible selves and well-being as a function of their perceptions of collaboration in 61 late-midlife (M = 60 years) and older (M = 72 years) couples dealing with prostate cancer. Spouses completed assessments of possible selves (with shared selves defined as possible selves portraying a similar goal across spouses), psychological well-being, and enjoyment and frequency of collaboration. Associations between shared selves and better well-being occurred through better enjoyment of collaboration regardless of age (after controlling for marital quality and subjective health). An interaction revealing that shared selves were associated with better well-being only with frequent collaboration was obtained with older couples but was not found in late-midlife couples.

Activity restriction related to fear of falling among older people in the Colombian Andes mountains: are functional or psychosocial risk factors more important?

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the associations between activity restriction related to fear of falling and sociodemographic and health factors among people aged 60 and older living in the Colombian Andes mountains. METHOD: The sample includes 1,668 community-living participants. Outcomes included no fear of falling, fear of falling alone, or activity restriction related to fear of falling. RESULTS: Fear of falling was reported by 83.3%, and of these 52.2% reported activity restriction. Independent factors for activity restriction (vs. fear of falling alone) were low income, functional difficulty, falling or decreasing physical activity, polypharmacy, poor self-perceived health, and depression. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of overall fear of falling and related activity restriction was surprisingly high because this is a physically active population. Participants with activity restriction related to fear of falling have decreased physical activity or functional status, poor self-perceived health, and worse depressive symptoms than those who have fear of falling alone.

Revisitando o conceito de síndrome do ninho vazio: [revisãp] / Revising the empty nest's syndrome concept: [review]

CONTEXTO: A síndrome do ninho vazio é mencionada com frequência na literatura como o período de mudanças na vida do casal após a saída dos filhos de casa. OBJETIVOS: A finalidade deste artigo é rever os conceitos aplicados à síndrome do ninho vazio, verificar sua aplicabilidade nos dias de hoje, bem como suas particularidades em diferentes culturas. MÉTODO: Revisou-se a literatura disponível sobre a síndrome do ninho vazio utilizando as bases de dados MedLine e PsycINFO. RESULTADO: O período da síndrome do ninho vazio acontece junto com diversas mudanças, como a aposentadoria e a menopausa, o que pode agravar sentimentos de depressão e baixa autoestima. Além disso, fatores sociais e culturais influenciam no aparecimento e na intensidade da síndrome. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudos sobre a síndrome do ninho vazio apresentam limitações e há lacuna de estudos metodologicamente apropriados para que se possa validá-la no contexto brasileiro.

BACKGROUND: The empty nest syndrome is frequently mentioned in the literature as a period of change in the couples' lives, after children leaving home. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to review the conceptual notions related to empty nest syndrome, to verify its current applicability, as well as its peculiarities in different cultures. METHOD: We reviewed the available literature on the empty nest syndrome using the MedLine and PsycINFO databases. RESULT: The empty nest syndrome period occurs along with several changes such as retirement and menopause which can exacerbate feelings of depression and low self-esteem. In addition, social and cultural factors potentially influence the emergence and intensity of the syndrome. CONCLUSION: Studies on the empty nest syndrome have limitations and there is a gap of studies methodologically appropriate in our country to validate it in the Brazilian context.

El clima institucional en el hogar de ancianos padres de la mónarca / Institutional climate in the nursing home parents monarch

Esta investigación se realizó en el período comprendido Mayo-Noviembre de 2007 en el Hogar de Ancianos Padre La Mónaca de la Municipalidad de la ciudad de Córdoba. Se investigó el clima institucional en los diferentes actores de la institución geriátrica. Se valora a través de una escala de ambiente para residencia de mayores a 121 sujetos resultando un 30,87 % una población adulta comprendida entre los 25 y 59 años y un 69,12 % de adultos mayores comprendidos entre los 60 y 91 años. El 56,2 % son mujeres y el 43,8 % varones. Con respecto al tiempo de institucionalización 203 representan el 78,68 % y 55 el 21,31 %. En relación a la profesión de los encuestados la mayor frecuencia corresponde a los profesionales del equipo de salud con un 9,10 % en relación al 60,3 % de los residentes. Como referencia para la investigación del clima social se consideraron tres dimensiones: la calidad de las relaciones interpersonales (cohesión y conflicto), el crecimiento institucional o dirección del desarrollo personal de la institución (independencia y autoanálisis) y la última dimensión de análisis corresponde al mantenimiento y cambio del sistema (organización, influencia, comodidad y confort físico). Se proponen medidas de intervención sanitaria que contribuyan al mejoramiento del clima institucional.

Autoestima y satisfacción de vida en mujeres adultas mayores asistentes al programa universitario para adultos mayores de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba / Self-esteem and life satisfaction in older women attending the university program for seniors at the National University of Cordoba

Se trata de un estudio de tipo descriptivo en el cual se procura investigar la autoestima y la satisfacción con la vida en mujeres viejas y las posibles relaciones con variables sociodemográficas y con la percepción de salud (pérdidas de memoria, agudeza visual y autidtiva) que manifiestan. Se trabajó con una muestra accidental formada por 155 mujeres adultas mayores, en edades comprendidas entre los 50 años hasta 81 y más, alumnas de las distintas sedes del Programa Universitario para adultos Mayores (PUAM), dependiente de la Facultad de Ciencias Mñedicas, de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Las variables independientes consideradas fueron: edad, lugar de procedencia, estado civil, número de hijos, números de nietos, realiza actividad o trabajo remunerado, subvención de gastos, nivel de instrucción, convivencia, amistades y prescepción de salud (agudeza sensorial y pérdida de memoria) y como variable dependientes autoestima y satisfacción de vida Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron: un cuestionario y dos escalas:“Escala para la medición de la autoestima en ancianos”(Grasso, 1984) y “Escala de Satisfacción de vida” (Adams,1969). Se analizan las eventuales relaciones entre las variables independientesmencionadas y las variables autoestima y satisfacción con la vida. El procedimiento utilizado es comparar las medias (M) (promedios) para cada una de las categorías en cada una de las variables sociodemográficas que describimos en la muestra. Las pruebas estadísticas utilizadas fueron “t” test y análisis de varianza. Se encontraron relaciones significativas entre las variables convivencia (hijos u otros familiares) y nivel de instrucción con autoestima y entre estado civil, número de hijos con satisfacción de vida. Las mujeres que conviven con el grupo familiar (hijos y otros familiares) poseen mayor autoestima que aquellas que viven solas como también están mássatisfechas con la vida.

On this paper a descriptive research work was carried out on the confidence and satisfaction elder women have with their lives as well as the relationship that can be established with the sociodemographic variables andthe perception of health these women showed. Data base were abstracted from a sample of 155 elder women (from 55 to 81 years old) who are students at the different courses offered by Programa Universitario para Adultos Mayores (PUAM), Facultad de CienciasMédicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. In order to collect the necessary data a questionnaire and two scales (Grasso, 1984) “Scale to assess the elders self-esteem” and (Adam’s 1969) “Scale of life satisfaction” were used. The relationship between theindependent variables, the confidence and life satisfaction variables wereanalyzed. The average measures (M) obtained for each category in each of thesociodemographic variables included in the sample was compared. The statistics trails used were the “t” test and the analysis of variance. Meaningful relationships were found between the cohabitation variable (sons, daughters or other relatives); the level of instruction and self-esteem; the marital status, the number of sons and daughters and life satisfaction. Women who cohabit with their family (sons, daughters and other relatives) feel more confident that those who live alone; they also feel more satisfied with their lives.

Imagining the alternatives to life prolonging treatments: elders' beliefs about the dying experience.

Deciding for or against a life-prolonging treatment represents a choice between prolonged life and death. When the death alternative is not described, individuals must supply their own assumptions. How do people imagine the experience of dying? We asked 40 elderly people open-ended questions about dying without 4 common life-prolonging treatments, eliciting beliefs about pain, length of time, loneliness, and palliative care. Beliefs were diverse, loneliness was commonly assumed, and palliation was rarely mentioned spontaneously. Results underscore needs for improved understanding of the dying process and palliative care and for fuller communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Assessing knowledge of breast self exams in older African-American women.

Breast cancer mortality rates for older women increase dramatically with age. This descriptive study assessed the knowledge of breast self-exams (BSEs) via pre-tests and post-tests in older African-American women (> 60) at an initial session (Time 1), and then again at a follow-up session (Time 2) two months later. A sample of 57 older African-American women living in inner city apartment buildings participated in the study. There were significant differences between pre-test Time 1 and post-test Time 1 (p = .000) and pre-test Time 2 and post-test Time 2 (p = .000). In addition, a significant difference was detected between pre-test Time 1 and pre-test Time 2 (p = .039). Additionally, a content analysis revealed what factors would influence older African-American women to continue to perform BSEs in the future. Providing BSE education to older African-American women may be useful in decreasing mortality rates for breast cancer.

Body dissatisfaction in midlife women.

We examined the extent and correlates of body dissatisfaction among 1026 54-year-old women from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development. Weight dissatisfaction was reported by nearly 80% of the sample and by over 50% of 'normal weight' women (BMI < 25). Women indicated being most dissatisfied with their bodies currently, relative to their younger years, including their forties. Adjusting for BMI, dissatisfaction was highest in higher social class women and in those who rated themselves in poorer health. Women with poor body esteem, regardless of body size, were likely to avoid various everyday situations because of how they felt about their bodies. Adjusting for BMI, women who were happy with their weight were more likely to report distress about other aspects of their appearance. We suggest that body dissatisfaction in women of this age group merits further attention.

[Health behaviors of middle-aged adults].

Middle age is the term used to describe the transition between early and late adulthood. Declining physical functions and increased stress resulting from family and work obligations create important health challenges among middle-aged adults, therefore maintaining good health behaviors is particularly important for members of this population. Work responsibilities make it particularly hard for many middle-aged adults to participate in health-related activities. The purpose of this paper is to integrate literature related to health behaviors of middle-aged adults to understand their behavior practice and characteristics. In Taiwan, middle-aged adults (especially male breadwinners) are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut, with these behaviors tending to be clustered. Gender-specific strategies for managing multiple substance use and abuse and better enforcement of public health policies are needed to promote positive health behaviors among middle-aged Taiwanese adults.

[Impacts of illness experiences on middle-aged health care: a cancer example].

Middle-aged couples play multiple family roles. In addition to supporting each other, they also act as caregivers for their children and elderly parents. When they are diagnosed with a severe illness such as cancer, the impacts on the psycho-spiritual aspects of their lives include fear of death and loss of control. While dealing with these and other disease-related issues, they must maintain intimate relationships with their spouses and try to communicate with their children about their health status. In addition to providing individual care, nurses must make the effort to help their patients make adjustments in their family relationships.

Overcoming: breast cancer and its effect on intimacy in middle aged African-American women.

There is a dearth of literature addressing the impact of breast cancer treatments on intimacy in African-American women. Much of what is known about living with the intimate effects of breast cancer comes from studies composed primarily of White women. Grounded theory was used to discover the personal and intimate concerns of middle-aged African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer African-American interviewers conducted interviews with 15 middle-aged African-American women. Constant comparative analysis revealed a core process of "Overcoming" so they could move on with their lives. Overcoming was influenced by their partner standing by them so they could adjust and tell others that they too could survive breast cancer. For these African-American women, ability to overcome was grounded in their spirituality. This study provides suggestions on how to provide culturally appropriate care to middle-aged African-American women with breast cancer in relation to their personal and intimate lives.