[Analysis of the self concept of independently living senior citizens]

The analysis of research on self-concept of the elderly shows a need for more complex methods that measure not only self-esteem and subjective age identity, but also those that reflect the specificity of life in the elderly. The self-concept of 140 elderly living in one community (65-93 years) was analyzed by an age-specific, self-concept interview. Factor-analysis resulted in a 10-factor assessment with the main factor being "bodily competency and purpose of life". Other factors were subjective age identity, composure, social integration, resignation, etc.. The subjects were cluster-analyzed. The first cluster contained almost 50% of the elderly who had a positive self-concept of competency, social integration, mood, and self-esteem; they were younger, often married, and in good health. Some clusters identified elderly with a moderate self-concept and some problems regarding health and activities of daily life. A very negative self-concept was shown by two groups of socially isolated (7.14%) and strongly physically and/or psychologically handicapped (5.71%) elderly, who had a generally negative self-concept and needed psychosocial therapy. Implications for further research are discussed.