While old age and age-related health problems are often stigmatizing,
there appear to be variations in the degree of stigma related to any s
ingle condition. Through an examination of three such conditions, urin
ary incontinence, dementia and arthritis, the authors develop the hypo
thesis that multiple transgressions of key cultural values result in i
ncreased stigma. These values include: mastery, productivity, individu
al responsibility and cleanliness. The transgressions involved in inco
ntinence and dementia, in particular, involve an overdetermined assaul
t on adult status. Strategies used to manage symptoms are as much dire
cted to stigma reduction as they are to symptom alleviation.