Fashion & Textile Research Journal (한국의류산업학회지)

The Society of Fashion and Textile Industry (한국의류산업학회)
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Ageism, Attitudes Toward Aging, and Body Satisfaction by Subjective Socioeconomic and Health Status Among Older Women

주관적 사회경제적 지위와 건강 인식 수준에 따른 노년 여성의 연령주의, 노화에 대한 태도, 신체만족도 비교 연구

  • Yu, Haekyung (Dept. of Fashion Industry, Incheon National University) ;
  • Lee, Minsun (Center for Perception and Behavioral Research, Incheon National University)
  • 유혜경 (인천대학교 패션산업학과) ;
  • 이민선 (인천대학교 인지행동 연구센터)
  • Received : 2019.07.19
  • Accepted : 2019.08.30
  • Published : 2019.10.30
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Abstract

Ageism, attitudes toward aging, and body satisfaction play significant roles in determining older women's perceptions of successful aging. In addition, subjective socioeconomic and health status can act as major identifiers in determining the overall level of physical and social well-being in old age. Research for this exploratory study includes: 1) exploring the overall levels of ageism perception, attitudes toward aging, and body satisfaction among older women and 2) identifying the differences in ageism, attitudes toward aging, and body satisfaction between high and low subjective socioeconomic and health status of older women. Data for this study were collected through an online questionnaire of 221 older women. The results revealed that older women's perceptions of ageism, aging attitudes, and body satisfaction were significantly different based on subjective socioeconomic and health status. In general, older women with higher levels of subjective socioeconomic and health status reported more positive perceptions and attitudes toward aging along with higher levels of body satisfaction. The results implied that subjective health status was a more powerful indicator differentiating the aging-related perceptions of older women than the subjective socioeconomic status. This study supports the need for a conscious effort to reduce ageism that ultimately improves the overall well-being of all members in society.

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References

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