Quality of life of older African American women in rural North Carolina.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of activity to the quality of life of female African American elders.


METHODS
Framed in the critical emancipatory paradigm, the study used qualitative research methodology, including the analysis of transcribed interviews and the critical review of relevant literature.


RESULTS
Contributors to this study identified numerous past and present activities. The activities were bound together with the themes of "The Lord," Doing, Family, Environment, "I had to let it go," and "Just a part of life."


CONCLUSIONS
Study results indicate that participants have enhanced their quality of life and emancipated themselves through engagement in a variety of activities that hold both real and symbolic meaning.
Velde
Beth P
BP
Department of Occupational Therapy, East Carolina University. Greenville, NC 27858, USA. veldeb@mail.ecu.edu
Wittman
Peggy Prince
PP
Lee
Heather
H
Lee
Christy
C
Broadhurst
Erin
E
Caines
Meredith
M
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D011788:Quality of Life; D012424:Rural Population; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*