Older Women in Australia: Facing the Challenges of Dual Sensory Loss

Chyrisse Heine, Cathy Honge Gong, Susan Feldman and Colette Browning
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Chyrisse Heine: School of Allied Health, Human Services & Sport, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
Cathy Honge Gong: Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
Susan Feldman: Independent Researcher, 41 Tyrone Street, South Yarra, VIC 3141, Australia
Colette Browning: Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: With the increase in longevity, the number of women living into old age is rising and higher than that of men. Data was derived from the Melbourne Longitudinal Studies on Healthy Ageing Program, which included 533 women and 467 men aged 65 years and older, in Australia, over 10 years. Logistic regression modeling was used to investigate the prevalence of dual sensory loss and the unmet needs for vision and hearing devices in older women (compared to men) over time, as well as its impacts on self-reported general health, depression, perceived social activities, community service use and ageing in place. Results suggested that the prevalence of dual sensory loss increased for women from the age of 75 years and over. Dual sensory loss was higher for older women and men who were living alone, with government benefits as their main income source or were divorced, separated or widowed. Dual sensory loss had significant impacts on poor general health, perceived inadequate social activities and community service use for women and men and on depression for women only. Early identification of dual sensory loss is essential to minimize its effects, ensuring continued well-being for this population.

Keywords: older women; dual sensory loss; physical health; mental health; social health; well-being; quality of life; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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