vey and applying their knowledge across groups of men and women and various age groups.It is well known that the fastest growing section of the population in the United States is the senior citizens. When Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, reach retirement age (some organizations allow employees 55 years old to take full retirement) which could begin next year for some and will continue to increase the older age or senior population of the United States (U.S. Bureau of the Census & [USBS], 1996a). The American Psychological Association Journal Article this paper is based on focuses on the knowledge of health related risks and behaviors of middle age and older age women, and specifically women's “knowledge of perceived risk of major disease” (Wilcox & Stefanick, 1999).As people get older, they are more susceptible to diseases and other disabling conditions. Their very survival becomes difficult because as they age they are more likely to develop diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD), cancer of the lung, colon, breast and genital organs. Women often live longer than men do and their mortality rates are less than the rates for men. Because women are living longer they are more likely to experience chronic illness during their later years of life. Although this is true for many women, it does not have to be. A link between lifestyle and chronic disease in old age has been established. Lifestyle factors or habits such as lack of exercise, smoking and bad or unhealthy eating habits have been closely linked to CHD (McGinnis & Foege, 1993). Instead of managing a chronic disease such as CHD or diabetes we should have more focus on preventing the diseases that impact the health and quality of life for our aging population altogether and specifically women. The prevention efforts could help increase the knowledge of individuals and this knowledge must be known or people will not change their unhealthy habi...
