Aging anxiety and healty aging behavior in women in mid adulthood from the new aging perspective: In case of Çanakkale province

Technological advancements, progress in medicine, globalization, urbanization, change in family-society structure change the profile of old age and aging in the transition from traditional to modern. For example, seeing old age as a period of rest rather than illness and neediness shows the change in the profile of the elderly and old age. Under the influence of Neoliberalization, apparent social perceptions, loneliness and discrimination have an impact on individuals, especially women, in the aging process. The concerns of female individuals regarding aging are evolving and increasing accordingly. In this study, it is aimed to examine the aging anxiety and healthy lifestyle behavior levels of female individuals residing in Çanakkale province, age between 40-59, in middle adulthood, within the framework of the new aging profile. The research data were gathered from socio-demographic personal information form, Aging Anxiety Scale in Middle-aged Female Individuals and Healthy Lifestyle Behavior II Scale that applied to 390 people. Statistical analyses were made with SPSS-27 program. Independent samples T-test, One Way ANOVA Analysis, Kruskal Wallis-H and correlation analysis were used. According to the research results; Anxiety levels of female individuals in middle adulthood towards aging was determined as "moderate" with average point of 52,66±12,551. When healthy lifestyle behavior levels were examined, it was determined as "moderate" with average point of129±23,103. The conclusion has been made that there is a negative and moderately meaningful correlation between aging anxiety of female individuals in middle adulthood and healthy lifestyle behavior. While healthy lifestyle behaviors of female individuals in middle adulthood increase, their concerns about aging anxiety are decrease. In order to have a healthy and active old age, it is thought that, as in every period of life, in the transition to old age and in middle adulthood, healthy lifestyle behaviors can facilitate adaptation to physical, spiritual and social changes and reduce anxiety about the uncertainties in old age. In aging society, healthy, successful an active aging should be targeted against the aging problem.