J Appl Gerontol. 2026 Jul 14:7334648261464234. doi: 10.1177/07334648261464234. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundOlder women in India experience high levels of chronic illness, psychosocial distress, and social vulnerability. With the growing interest in predictive healthcare approaches, identifying psychosocial risk patterns among ageing women is critical for early intervention.ObjectiveThis study examined the prevalence of physical and mental health problems, coping strategies across age groups, and the relationship between coping styles and quality of life (QOL), along with implications for geriatric care.MethodsA descriptive analytical design was employed among 420 older women in Aligarh city using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews, the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHO-QOL), and a coping strategies inventory. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression techniques.ResultsArthritis (44%) and hypertension (39%) were the most prevalent conditions, with 49% of respondents reporting multimorbidity. Problem-focused coping was associated with higher QOL, whereas avoidant coping showed a significant negative association. Social protection factors, including pension access and healthcare support, were positively associated with QOL.ConclusionThe findings highlight the importance of psychosocial and structural determinants in shaping quality of life among older women. These results provide empirically grounded indicators that may inform the future development of predictive and preventive geriatric healthcare approaches.
PMID:42444505 | DOI:10.1177/07334648261464234
