Older women, power, and the body

Abstract

This chapter defines power and discusses types and sources of power that people can use, with a focus on the body as a source of women's power. Attractiveness, physical fitness, and health are common ways that bodies empower women, by providing ways to influence others and the ability to achieve plans and goals. In old age, those ways may be less available and cause women to feel disempowered. However, changing one's standard for social comparison, taking good care of the body, learning to manage chronic illness, and learning to use the body in different ways can all contribute to the continued use of the body as a source of personal and interpersonal power. Some women may turn to cosmetic procedures to erase signs of aging writ on the body; others may do better by remembering that sexiness has more to do with knowledge, skill, and confidence than with beauty. Moreover, some women may be empowered by fading beauty as they are no longer sexualized and objectified by others. Most people's energy and stamina can be improved through self–care (e.g., adequate rest, good nutrition, regular exercise). Assistive devices and community services (e.g., van service for those who can no longer drive or walk easily) can empower older women by helping to maintain their mobility and independence, and women can focus on interdependence rather than dependence. Furthermore, there are many sources of power besides the body for people of any age. Older women can often empower themselves and their social networks by sharing their wisdom and experience as mentors, volunteers, and activists or by sharing family stories with, and caring for, their grandchildren. Although aging invariably leads to changes related to the body, the process of aging does not inevitably mean a decrease in empowerment; it might just mean a change in how, and from where, power is derived.