Centenarians are often concerned with outliving their accumulated resources. Yet, research consistently finds that older adults, despite low incomes, are more financially satisfied than younger adults. This "satisfaction paradox" has been attributed to psychological accommodation to poor financial circumstances and lower expectations. As a result,…

The present study explores the influence of the early retirement process on adjustment to early retirement, taking into account the roles of individual characteristics and social context in this process. We proposed a systematic model integrating perceived ability to continue working, organizational pressures toward early retirement and group…

This study investigated perceived strategies and activities for successful later aging. Participants were 242 members of the Terman Study of the Gifted who responded to an open-ended question concerning how they make the most of their aging years. Data were collected in 1996 and 1999, when the participants were average ages of 84 and 86.…

This study examined the impact of loss of vision on important life domains depending on life context. The sample included two groups dealing with vision impairment: middle-aged (n = 44) and older adults (n = 107). Findings showed important group differences in extent, type, and facet of life changes across and within four life domains:…

This qualitative study provides a comprehensive account of the social and life experiences and strategies and personality attributes that characterize exceptional longevity (living to 100 or over). It is based on nine semi-structured interviews of relatively healthy and functional Greek centenarians of both sexes. The analytic approach was…

The present study examined the way retirees perceive retirement and continue to work post-retirement. Using a longitudinal design, qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed to examine the effect of preoccupation with work on adjustment to retirement. The findings indicate a wide range of attitudes toward cessation of the working life on…

The four papers of this symposium on social psychology and gerontology are critically discussed: Babchuk on primary relations; Shaver on attribution theory; Marris on conservation and innovation; and Lieberman on adaptation. (Author)

Examined the relationship between reminiscence, level of activity, and morale in 73 elderly women. Results showed reminiscence was not positively related to morale or negatively related to activity level, and did not mediate between the two, suggesting that reminiscence is a correlate of, not a substitute for, social activity. (JAC)

Relates Kastenbaum's (1981) concept of habituation as model of human aging to two areas of environment-aging research: psychological control and environmental comprehension. Considers possible causal and mediating links between control and habituation and explores impact of habituation on environmental perception, cognition, and appraisal.…

Examined survival rates after retirement in a large corporation. A regression analysis was performed to control for age, sex, job status, and type of work differences that may influence longevity. Short-term suvivors seemed to undergo a different adjustment process than long-term survivors. (Author/ABL)

Used dual economic model to assess effects of sectoral placement of workers on subsequent retirement satisfaction of national sample of men. Findings suggest that sectoral placement renders two qualitatively different groups of retirees, one which is primarily concerned with health and one for which financial adequacy is more important for…

Identified and described diversity in modes of retirement adaptation using 24 individual interviews. Comparisons among analyses yielded four distinct ways of conceptualizing and experiencing retirement--as a transition to old age, as a new beginning, as a continuation of preretirement life structure, and as an imposed disruption. Features of these…

Explored phenomenological meanings of retirement for women and factors associated with adjustment among employed and retired women. No differences were found in levels of morale, adjustment, or self-esteem. Correlations of background, status, and attitudinal variables with measures of morale, adjustment, and self-esteem indicated that the factors…

Interviewed older adults before and after three types of bereavement/loss: attachment bereavement (child, spouse, parent), nonattachment bereavement (sibling, grandchild, friend), and other losses (nonbereavement). Five measures of health were used. Results suggest that older adult sample handled bereavements and other losses with minimal…

Presents theoretical rationale, hypotheses, models, and methods and procedures of Georgia Centenarian Study, interdisciplinary study of oldest-old which began in 1988 to investigate adaptational characteristics of long-lived individuals. Introduces other articles in journal issue: first four reports of study, summarizing data collected in first…