Perspectives on ageing acceptance among women in middle adulthood: a qualitative study

Purpose: A dearth of qualitative studies explore what women in middle adulthood perceive as important influences on their attitudes toward ageing, particularly in Lithuania. A greater understanding of ageing acceptance can inform research and action to promote more positive ageing. This study of women in middle adulthood explored their perception of what helps or hinders ageing acceptance. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 26 women aged 30–57 years were conducted. We adopted an inductive, experiential orientation within reflexive thematic analysis. Four main themes and 12 subthemes were developed. Results: “Examples of older figures in the environment” theme described older adults in participants' lives significantly contributing to the image of ageing. The theme “Personal attitudes and traits” discussed personal qualities that were related to ageing acceptance. The theme “(no) pressure in the environment” reflected others' perceptions of ageing influencing one's own ageing views. “Tension over control of ageing” theme illustrated the complicated nature of balancing control and acceptance in the ageing process. Conclusions: This study highlights the unique roles of the social environment, cultural pressures, internal conflicts, and experiences with older people in ageing acceptance. Interventions aimed at negative perceptions of ageing, better body and self-acceptance could help promote acceptance of ageing.