Older men and worries - The impact on well-being

Abstract

The impact of daily worries has been found to affect psychological well-being and self-rated health. However, the research to date has largely focussed on the influence of major life events on well-being and health, and the research available on worries does not specifically relate to older men. The aim of the present research was to investigate the relationship between worries and psychological well-being, and self-rated health in older men. A cross-sectional survey method was used to investigate the research aim. A group of men aged 65 years and over (n = 217), who lived in a small New Zealand city, participated in this study. Results from this research revealed that worries about physical abilities and health were significantly related to a decrease in psychological well-being and self-rated health. Consequently, gerontological nurses are challenged to be cognisant of older men’s concerns about their health and physical ability