Healthy older women-

Health in older women in this discussion is considered from four perspectives of fitness: (a) physical, (b) intellectual, (c) social and (d) purpose. The important point is that it is not health, per se, which is so crucial in women's later lives, but rather their attitudes and their coping strategies to meet new situations, losses and crises. In addition, the responses of others, including professionals, are important in enabling older women to live productive lives in spite of adversity. Examples of positive models of women growing old with varying degrees of health problems are provided.