The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University

National Program on Women & Aging
 

Women & Aging Letter
Excerpt - November 1999

Attitudes Toward Health
Volume 4, Number 2
The National Center on Women and Aging has conducted an important survey on women's attitudes toward health. This survey focused on their health concerns and perceptions. Women across the nation, aged 45 to 75, took part in the study -- 402 throughout the United States.
Health Status: Good!

Most women did not see their health as a big problem. When asked how they would compare their health with the health of others their age, 80 percent said that they were in good or excellent health. Almost two-thirds reported that their health status had not changed over the last five years or had gotten better.

  • Sixty-five percent said they talk to their doctor about physical activity and nutrition.
  • Ninety percent described their eating habits as either "healthy" or "very healthy."
  • About 60 percent engage in regular exercise at least three times a week for 20 minutes or more.
  • Eighty percent do not smoke.
  • Of the 20 percent who were smokers, 88 percent had tried to stop in the last few years.
    • This does not mean that women in the later years have no health problems. They do.  A question in the survey asked about chronic health conditions. A significant number of women reported having chronic conditions that tend to affect women in the latter half of life.

    The full issue of the newsletter contains more information on the survey results:

  • What are the health concerns of women 45-75 years of age?
  • Do women talk with their doctors about menopause?
  • Are women getting the information they need about health risks associated with a decline in estrogen?
  • Where do women turn for information on health?
  • What actions do women take to reduce their health risks associated with menopause?
    •  
    Stroke is a Women's Issue, Too
    Some facts you should know:
    1. More women die from stroke than from breast cancer.
    2. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major stroke risk.
    3. A woman's risk of stroke increases over age 55.
    Learn the warning signs of stroke:
    1. Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
    2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
    3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
    4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
    5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause
    If you see or have any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
    Treatment can be more effective if given quickly.  Every minute counts!

    Source: The Brain Matters Stroke Initiative

    This is an excerpt only

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