Life stress and dimensions of functioning in old age

The present investigation studied the current life adjustment and social and physical activity patterns of a group of 96 elderly men (mean age = 77) who had been initially evaluated 30 years previously. The dimension of functioning of this group in old age also were delineated. A second focus of the investigation was an evaluation of the effect of past personality and current life stresses on present adjustment. Five dimensions of functioning in old age were identified: these were labeled Neuroticism, Somatic Concern, Alienation, Introversion, and Passivity. The Somatic Concern factor was associated with reported physical illness. Current physical illness was also related to relative elevations on the current MMPI Hs scale score; death of a close one was related to relative elevations in score on the current MMPI Si scale. Past personality interacting with current life stresses was not predictive of present personality functioning.