GENDER-ROLE ORIENTATION AS A CORRELATE OF PERCEIVED HEALTH, HEALTH BEHAVIOR, AND QUALITATIVE WELL-BEING IN OLDER WOMEN

This study investigated the relationships of gender role orientations (Feminine, Masculine, & Androgynous) with self-perceived health status , health behavior, and qualitative well-being experience in a simple r andom sample of community-dwelling older women (N = 70). Instruments u sed were The Bem Sex Role Inventory(Bem, 1974); The Seniors' Lifestyle Inventory (Schwirian, 1991); and The Integration Inventory (Ruffing-R ahal, 1991). Findings revealed the greatest number of significant posi tive correlations with the Feminine orientation; Androgyny was signifi cantly linked with qualitative well-being and with a positive self-com parison in relation to peers and Masculinity was positively linked wit h health behavior. Findings are interpreted in light of successful agi ng issues for older women.