Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate body image among older adults. Participants included 141 older adults, ages 46 to 97, from senior centers in Sacramento. Results indicated that women compared to men, F(1,97) = 6.90, p = .01, old-old individuals compared to young-old individuals, F(1,97) = 2.96, p = .09, and those participating in mind-body exercise compared to those participating in other exercise, F(2,41) = 2.00, p = .15, were more health- and fitness-oriented. Women were also more oriented toward illness than men, F(1,98) = 3.26, p = .07. Those participating in mind-body exercise, F(2,44) = 2.28, p = .11, and not meeting minimum exercise recommendations, F(1,66) = 3.65, p = .06, were less vigilant about their weight than those participating in other exercise and meeting the minimum recommendations. Overall, results point to the increased importance of health and fitness and the de-emphasis of appearance with advanced age.