Need for uniqueness in older women: an exploratory look

Problem.  Information about older women dwells on age-related illness and disabilities yet, other empowering traits could be promoting positive forces. Aim.  While everyone desires some distinctiveness, this study explores higher levels of the motivational construct need for uniqueness (NU) in older women. NU concepts are: 1) perceived feelings of being or thinking different, 2) outspoken social behaviour, and 3) creative consumer consumption. Design.  An exploratory, descriptive cross-sectional study provided quantitative data and focus groups generated qualitative data. Major results.  Significant differences in all three NU concepts were evident between 87 (42%) with no/weak NU and 122 (58%) who 'preferred to be different from other people'. Focus groups provided examples over their lifetime within the context of their societal expectations. Relevance to clinical practice.  The nurse's strategy to partner with older women to individualize their care and teaching will be important in maintaining their well-being. Examining their decision-making with how they respond to perceived feelings of being or thinking different (such as taking risks), how outspoken are they, and their patterns of consumer consumption are a few questions that could be asked to examine an older woman's NU. Further research examining specific health care decisions in those with NU will also be needed to note their responses toward future self-care activities.