Older adults' self-assessments of health: personal and contextual influences

The purpose of this study was to examine older adults' perceptions of health by exploring life course factors perceived as shaping the meanings of health in their daily lives. Responses to a self-report questionnaire from 111 individuals (Mean age = 74 yrs., SD = 5.64) and in-depth interviews with 30 of the older adults from the larger sample were analyzed. Results indicated that being female and having more years of formal education were associated with higher health ratings. Findings from the qualitative inquiry suggested that individual experiences and societal expectations influenced the meanings older adults attached to their health rating.