Self-Concept
Several factors influence self concept in old age: (1) the history of the habit structures; (2) acceptance or relection of the cultural stereotype or aging; (3) feelings or success or failure in life; (4) the cultural climate in which one is spending most of his or her time. This cultural climate includes living arrangements, club affiliations, and the amount of independence one has in decision-making processes about his or her way of living, Finally, self concept is influenced by the criteria used for getting old. Some may use chronological age. Others evaluate, themselves in terms of failing eyesight or hearing or a tendency to fatigue easily, and still others use sexual potency as the indicator of their point of no return. For some getting old is indicated by an increase in the poverty of loneliness.
Studies show that subjective age is closely related to morale, rigidity, and fantasy behavior. It is also related to treatment by others and to the ability to get around. Among institutionalized people negative attitudes seem to be the result of institutionalization rather than of age per se.
Personality Differences
