Exercise Self-Regulation Among Older Women Participating in a Heart Disease-Management Intervention

Using behavioral self-regulation processes may facilitate exercise among older women with heart disease. Data from women in a heart disease-management program (n = 658, mean 73 years), was used to explore associations among exercise self-regulation components (i.e., choosing to improve exercise and observing, judging, and reacting to one's behavior) and exercise capacity. General linear models showed that choosing exercise predicted higher exercise self-regulation scores postprogram and 8 months later. In turn, these scores predicted greater improvements in exercise capacity concurrently and 8 months later. Interaction analyses revealed that the effect of self-regulation on exercise capacity was stronger among women who chose to work on exercise.     

Older Women in the Homeless Shelter: Personal Perspectives and Practice Ideas

This article reports on the themes generated by interviews conducted with 10 women over the age of 50, currently homeless and residing in an overnight homeless shelter. In-depth interviews were conducted asking women to tell their stories, talk about their lives in the shelter, and speak about their needs, hopes, and dreams. Based on an analysis of these interviews, the following themes emerged and were presented: The System is Too Confusing, Chaos in the Shelter System, Women as Nurturers, and Fractured Families. Discussion of these themes was presented, and practice, administrative, and research implications were suggested.     

Lesbian Parents and Work

Twenty-one lesbian parents, representing 15 families, were interviewed to examine the work-family issues experienced by the women. Seventy percent of the interviewees were satisfied with their employment situations and characterized the relationships between their households and the workplace as positive. Qualitative analysis of the interview data revealed work-related stressors and supports, and strategies for balancing work and family. Themes included instrumental support, interpersonal support, integration of work and family, and creative responses to work-family tensions. Implications for social work policy and direct practice are discussed.