Influences of Age and Gender on Self-perceived Components of Health, Health Concerns, and Health Ratings

Abstract

The nursing study herein reported was originally motivated by an interest in elderly people, and in particular in what they perceive to be important components of health. It was quickly recognized that this information would have greater meaning if it could be compared to the perceptions of younger persons. In other words, do one's ideas of what constitutes health or well-being change as one grows older? Literature Review The gerontological research literature contains frequent references to the subjective quality of evaluations of well-being (Cutler, S.J., 1979; Larson, 1978; Maddox & Douglass, 1973; Palmore & Luikart, 1974; Stenback, Kumpulainen, & Vauhkonen, 1978). There is an implication that, because well-being is defined subjectively and individually, studies of the topic are somehow not quite as valid as those of some quantifiable characteristic such as blood pressure. Despite this, many facets of the topic have been researched, especially during the past decade, and both research and observation clearly indicate that a sense of well-being is fundamental to continued activity and vivacious lifestyle among the elderly (Cutler, N.E., 1979; Larson, 1978; Leviton & Santa Maria, 1979).