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. 2024 May;56(3):405-416.
doi: 10.1111/jnu.12958. Epub 2024 Jan 24.

I'm a 45-year-old woman in the body of an 80-year-old: The multiple losses of living and aging in the shadow of prostitution

Nora Gnaim-Mwassi  1   2 , Tova Band Winterstein  1   2 , Hila Avieli  3
Affiliations

I'm a 45-year-old woman in the body of an 80-year-old: The multiple losses of living and aging in the shadow of prostitution

Nora Gnaim-Mwassi et al. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2024 May.

Abstract

Introduction: Research on aging women who are involved in prostitution is currently limited, both in terms of the number of studies conducted and their scope. Nevertheless, the available research suggests that women who are aging while involved in prostitution may confront some unique challenges. Thus, the study aims to explore the experiences of aging as narrated by Arab women in prostitution, using Intersectionality as a theoretical framework.

Method: Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used, and semistructured interviews were performed with 12 participants.

Findings: Four themes emerged: "I'm a 45-year-old woman in the body of an 80-year-old:" Loss of physical and mental health; "There is no retirement plan in prostitution: Economic and social losses; As they were taken, my soul went with them too: The loss of the parenting experience and motherhood"; and "I'm going to get older with the disgust clinging to me:" The loss of authentic identity and dignity.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate how aging serves to exacerbate overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalization.

Clinical relevance: Healthcare professionals, including nurses caring for older women in prostitution, should be aware of their unique circumstances, considering the social, economic, and healthcare obstacles they face. By being cognizant of these factors, healthcare practitioners can provide meaningful assistance in their pursuit of improved quality of life.

Keywords: aging women; interpretive phenomenological analysis; intersectionality; street prostitution.

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