Thesis--University of Oregon. / On spine: Older women in a diploma school of nursing. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-127).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 173-191).

The term, spirituality, as used in this study, refers to that part of our lives that has the deepest meaning, that which nurtures each of us and moves us toward wholeness. It is the basis for which we live out our lives, following our own truths with honesty and commitment. Hopefully, in the process of aging we mature spiritually, using experiences collected and processed over a lifetime and learning from them what is most important in leading a fulfilling life. For this study, a group of 10 women aged 60-87 years was examined, using in-depth interviews to determine those aspects of their lives that contributed to their spiritual growth and to see how they found meaning as they matured over their lifetimes. Furthermore, each woman was asked to discuss what gives her life the most meaning and purpose today. The women were selected for their apparent spiritual maturity, as observed by those who know them. The results of the study are organized around themes as they relate to different periods of the life span, starting with childhood and ending in elderhood. Early memories of the women were centered around family and friends, then expanded to include school, career, and in most cases marriage and children. Some have grandchildren. The family of origin was a critical beginning for each woman. Most recalled a happy and loving childhood, and those that did not, seem to have worked through those parts of their childhood relationships and experiences that have troubled them. Over their life spans, the women faced turning points or crises that caused them to grow in new ways, not only to survive, but to find new strength, courage, and meaning. As the women became older adults, their losses became more numerous. They have developed ways to grow spiritually despite these multiple losses and diminishments that continue into the present. Role models have played a meaningful part in each woman's life. Throughout childhood, adulthood, and old age, the women have looked to others who taught them various social and coping skills which contributed to the fullness in their lives. They developed such traits as loving others, caring for those in need, and helping friends and family. The role models fostered independence and development of strengths and guided the women to become who they are today. These women in turn serve as role models for others. The acceptance of death as a part of life lends a peacefulness in old age for the women. Their families and friends continue to play a key role in their everyday lives, along with faith and religious practices, God or a Supreme Being, prayer, meditation, reading, writing, learning new things, helping and listening to others, and service to community. Giving and receiving love is basic in their lives. The women also feel that love and helping others are essential components for a healthy humanity. The women are grateful for life's many gifts. Although old age brings hardships, losses, and diminishments, they find that life has been generous to them, and they continue to have hope for the future. Their spiritual strength continues to grow and expand, accompanied by a new sense of freedom that was not present in their younger years. Contrary to messages received from society, these women have found that there are benefits in growing old. / Graduation date: 1993

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Also available in print.

Thesis--University of Oregon. / On spine: Older women in a diploma school of nursing. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-127).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-101).

M.A. / The mid-life transition is the focus of this research. It is an in-depth qualitative study based on a small sample of women between forty to sixty years of age. The research also examines the significance of the story medium as a means of generating psychological data concerning the experience of the mid-life transition. This data was analysed using grounded theory methodology. The results suggest that there is a merging of the cognitive and affective functions during the mid-life transition causing disequilibrium and the shifting of elements within the psychic structure. The data further suggest that mid-life is a meaning generating process at two levels. There is a clarification of goals, values and life direction. At a deeper level there is a search for an inner purposiveness or soul centredness. Themes centred around questions of identity and relationship. Identity issues surfaced with regard to appearance, roles, future and the death/rebirth motif Relationship issues concerned relationship to marriage, motherhood, work and money. Ultimately, at mid-life, there is an inner search for soul purposiveness.

The effects of weight training on the strength, power and size of arm flexor muscles in older women and the relationship between physical self-efficacy and changes in strength and power were investigated. Being reasonably strong is clearly desirable for older women to be able to live independently and safely; both strength and power are important. Although most older people living alone are women, very little research has been concerned with strength or power, or with training for strength, in older women. A 2 (experimental and control groups) x 2 (before and after training) experimental design was used. Subjects (N = 68) were randomly assigned to the 2 groups. Right arm strength (6RM), peak power, fat-free cross-sectional area (FCA), and Physical Self-efficacy (PSE) were measured before and after 12 weeks training, which was carried out at home. The experimental group trained elbow flexors 3 times a week, using dumbells; the control group trained for increased flexibility, for a similar amount of time weekly. For various reasons (no-shows, drop-outs, medical, incomplete cases) only 50 cases were available for analysis, 30 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. Eighteen of these 50 subjects had initially reported minor disorders such as controlled hypertension or joint problems. Adherence was approximately 92%. In the experimental group, 6RM increased 20% more than in the control group, but peak power was slightly lower in both groups. There was no change in FCA. PSE was not correlated with the increase in 6RM, but was significantly linearly correlated with peak power. These results, and particularly the different response to training for strength and power in this group, are discussed. The mean reduction in peak power over the training period was not expected; possible reasons are discussed. The expectation of a relationship between PSE and changes in physical performance was not realized, although there was a statistically significant correlation between PSE and peak power. Possible reasons for this are discussed. In general, it was concluded that, after twelve weeks of training, the increase in weight-lifting performance using arm flexors: -shows that older women can, through a simple programme of progressive weight training done at home, improve the amount of weight they can lift -was not accompanied by hypertrophy of arm flexors -was not accompanied by an increase in peak power of the arm flexors -was not related to physical self-efficacy as measured In this study. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tulsa, 1993. / Bibliography: leaves 87-96.