Biopsychosocial Factors Related to Health among Older Women

• Main Author: Carter, Alice Powers
• Other Authors: Kelly, Kimberly
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1995
• Subjects: Older women > Health and hygiene.; Older women > Psychology.; Older women > Social conditions.; older women; immunocompetence
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc277811/

Older adults are more vulnerable to the ill effects of life stress due to physiological changes associated with aging that result in decreased immunocompetence. Stressors interacting with an aging immune system may produce further declines in health. Variables shown to modulate the effect of stressors on neuroendocrine and immune function and health include social support, personality, coping style, and health locus of control. A comprehensive model is proposed that includes: life stressors, social resources, psychological resources, interaction between stressors and social resources, neuroendocrine and immune function, and symptomatology. This model was evaluated using structured equation modeling. Participants were 97 active, community dwelling, older women, ranging in age from 60 to 93 years.