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Women and Aging (IN: The Woman Patient, Volume 2: Concepts of Femininity & the Life Cycle, ed. by M Notman & C Nadelson)
Edinburg G M
This article discusses the dynamics of aging among women, including loss, bereavement, physical & physiological changes, sexuality, physical & mental health, senility, depression, economics, family, living arrangements, single women, & coping devices. A section on suicide is included, which describes the high rates of depression & suicide among the elderly, as well as possible underreporting. The loss of work, spouses, family & friends appear to contribute to suicidal behavior in the elderly.