Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to identify nursing interventive strategies centering around the meaning structure of elderly women self-esteem.
METHOD
This study is based on a phenomenological approach. The participants were 6 women over the age of 65 selected in Mullae Senior Club or Yeongdeungpo Senior Welfare Center. The data was collected by in-depth and open- ended interviews from May to September, 2001. The analysis of the data was used the phenomenological analytic method suggested by Giorgi(1970).
RESULT
Two essential themes in the self- esteem of relationships the elderly women emerged: (1) Self-identification through human relations: (2) The ability for self-control.
CONCLUSION
There is a variety of programs and social meetings to confirm self and support systems, whether on the governmental level or the personal level, to help the ability for self-control should be expected to live a more qualitative life and successful aging for elderly women. In addition, this study will offer a better understanding of elderly women within the social and cultural context of South Korea.

• Keywords: Elderly women; Self-esteem