The oldest-old: how do they differ from the old-old?

This article reviews findings from the Berkeley Older Generation Study, a long-term longitudinal study of aging. The findings show many important differences between the oldest-old age group and other, younger-old individuals. Marked variation is demonstrated in the verbal scale of intelligence. More than half of oldest-old individuals did not decline, and some actually increased in verbal IQ. Four personality traits (i.e., agreeableness, satisfaction, intellect, extroversion) are stable. The fifth trait, energetic, may reflect responses to external circumstances, including physical health. As for social relationships, most individuals--including the oldest-old--still retain ties with important family members and friends. Individual differences are great, stressing the danger of accepting stereotypes about old individuals.