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Gender differences in views about cognitive health and healthy lifestyle behaviors among rural older adults.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Wu, B; Goins, RT; Laditka, JN; Ignatenko, V; Goedereis, E
Published in: The Gerontologist
June 2009

Research suggests that men and women often differ in knowledge and beliefs about causes and treatments of a variety of diseases. This study examines gender differences in views about cognitive health and behaviors that have been associated with its maintenance, focusing on older adults living in rural areas.We conducted 6 focus groups in rural West Virginia. Participants included 37 women and 30 men, aged 55 years and older.Men and women held similar views of cognitive decline, as well as largely similar views about causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, women were more concerned about developing AD than were men. Gender differences were also noted with respect to healthy lifestyle beliefs, including diet, leisure-time physical activity, and strategies to maintain cognitive health.Findings illustrate the importance of considering gender with respect to health beliefs, health behaviors, and health promotion, and emphasize the need to develop interventions designed for specific populations. Results highlight a critical need to translate research findings to the community.

Duke Scholars

Published In

The Gerontologist

DOI

EISSN

1758-5341

ISSN

0016-9013

Publication Date

June 2009

Volume

49 Suppl 1

Start / End Page

S72 / S78

Related Subject Headings

  • West Virginia
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sex Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Qualitative Research
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Life Style
  • Humans
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
 

Citation

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Chicago
ICMJE
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Wu, B., Goins, R. T., Laditka, J. N., Ignatenko, V., & Goedereis, E. (2009). Gender differences in views about cognitive health and healthy lifestyle behaviors among rural older adults. The Gerontologist, 49 Suppl 1, S72–S78. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnp077
Wu, Bei, R Turner Goins, James N. Laditka, Valerie Ignatenko, and Eric Goedereis. “Gender differences in views about cognitive health and healthy lifestyle behaviors among rural older adults.The Gerontologist 49 Suppl 1 (June 2009): S72–78. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnp077.
Wu B, Goins RT, Laditka JN, Ignatenko V, Goedereis E. Gender differences in views about cognitive health and healthy lifestyle behaviors among rural older adults. The Gerontologist. 2009 Jun;49 Suppl 1:S72–8.
Wu, Bei, et al. “Gender differences in views about cognitive health and healthy lifestyle behaviors among rural older adults.The Gerontologist, vol. 49 Suppl 1, June 2009, pp. S72–78. Epmc, doi:10.1093/geront/gnp077.
Wu B, Goins RT, Laditka JN, Ignatenko V, Goedereis E. Gender differences in views about cognitive health and healthy lifestyle behaviors among rural older adults. The Gerontologist. 2009 Jun;49 Suppl 1:S72–S78.
Journal cover image

Published In

The Gerontologist

DOI

EISSN

1758-5341

ISSN

0016-9013

Publication Date

June 2009

Volume

49 Suppl 1

Start / End Page

S72 / S78

Related Subject Headings

  • West Virginia
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sex Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Qualitative Research
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Life Style
  • Humans
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice