Thriving in older age: A national survey of women in Australia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the mental and physical self-reported health of community-based women in Australia aged 50 years and over, and ascertain factors associated with better physical and emotional health. STUDY DESIGN: A national, anonymous, online survey of women aged 18 years and above living in Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Factors associated with better physical and mental health among women aged ≥50 years. RESULTS: Of the 10,620 women who completed the survey, 4947 (46.6%) were aged 50 years or over. More than half (60.1%) reported being in "excellent" or "very good" overall health. While almost 40% had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety by a medical doctor or a psychologis..