'Looking forward': An actionable framework for proactive health and well-being behaviours in Australian midlife women

The health and well-being of midlife women are not well-researched. This study uses an actionable framework to demonstrate the influence of biosocial, psychological and cognitive factors on proactive health and well-being behaviours (PHWB) of midlife women, including setting and evaluating their well-being goals.

Quantitative cross-sectional data from Australian middle-aged women (N = 904) aged 40-65 residing in Australia was used. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations with three PHWB outcomes (low, medium and high) and biosocial, psychological and cognitive factors.

Proactive health behaviours are influenced by a positive attitude towards ageing, a stronger sense of stoicism and self-control, and a clearer life purpose. Compared to a high PHWB group, low proactiveness was associated with poor biosocial influences, fewer personal relations and less perceived behavioural control, but a higher level of self-acceptance.

Findings demonstrate how significant biosocial, psychological and cognitive determinants may empower midlife women to be proactive and to set and achieve a broader set of physical, mental, relationship and financial health and well-being goals for positive health outcomes and healthy ageing. SO WHAT?: The actionable framework provides directions for public health agencies to develop health and well-being communication strategies and health promotion initiatives targeting women at both early and later midlife. The findings point to the importance of understanding and fostering proactiveness in the context of midlife women's health and well-being.