Dispositional and contextual variables impacting interventions with women later in life

Older persons, particularly women, who in later life require intervention for mental and physical disability, will become an increasing proportion of the population served by health professionals. Personal, dispositional and contextual factors all play an important role in how these women cope with physical and mental health stressors. An improved understanding of both the stressors and potential coping resources available to this population can assist therapists to design interventions for maximal efficacy.