Analyses examine change in the age people "feel" ("felt age") and "would like to be" ("ideal age") (relative to current age) in middle and later life. Data are from 1,815 respondents in two waves (1995-96, 2004-06) of the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS) who were age 40+ at Wave 1. In aggregate, people feel about the same amount younger…

Annual official statistics for specific methods of suicide (firearms, hanging, poisons) by age for different sex and racial groups (Whites, Blacks, non-Whites excluding Black) were examined from 1960 to 1978. Comparisons among the age-sex-race groups, along with trends over time and differences in the methods employed, were noted. (Author/ABL)

Investigated concept of happiness in 100 adults, aged 19 to 90, and in 126 Catholic nuns, aged 26 to 89. Subjects gave word associates to words "happiness" and "unhappiness." In both samples, two-dimensional space was judged to optimally fit data. First dimension was interpreted as bipolar affective dimension; second as representing personal…

Studied white and blue-collar men and women using a questionnaire seeking designation of the most suitable ages for various role transitions and age-related attributes. Comparisons with 1950s findings indicated loosening of the norms, but with continuing adherence to a prescriptive timetable and with persistent socioeconomic differences. Results…

Describes age patterning of White and non-White suicide rates which reveal a consistent divergence: White suicide rates increase with age while non-White suicides peak in youthful years. Analyzes six explanatory hypotheses including: (1) differential life expectancy; (2) screening out of the violence prone; (3) role and status; and (4) values.…