The specific needs of working with women at mid-life are staying actively involved in the world, having a decent income and job (Mcquaide, 1998). Equally important, it is critical for women at mid-life to have a supportive social environment and not be denigrating of oneself (McQuaide, pg.30, 1998).
What pros/cons of aging for women?
Pros: One of the pros of aging for women is they are free to develop their own identity. Additionally, women experience an increased independence, freedom from menstrual periods, freedom from what others think, as well as, freedom from child responsibilities.
Cons: The cons of aging for women are as follows: loss of attractiveness, wrinkles, memory …show more content…
Critically thinking and assessing.
The study was done on 103 middle-class white women who lived in New York City. Women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds were not considered, as well as, women who were poorer than the women in the study. Therefore, the results of this study can not be generalized to all women in mid-life.
How can social workers assist during this time?
First and foremost as social workers we need to be empathetic to each person's situation. "Women who feel that the changes they are going through are empathically understood and who have a group or individual to confide in have some protection against midlife dissatisfaction, according to the results of this study" (McQuadie, pg.30, 1998). Likewise, social workers can offer individual and group counseling for women. In this way, the women will stay connected to a social network which can raise self-esteem and give them a more positive outlook on their life narrative. Finally, a social worker can help the women to maintain adequate income, health, and employment all of which will benefit the women (McQuaide, 1998)
Who are positive role models of