SICK AND POOR IN OLD-AGE AND STILL IN GOO D SPIRITS - A STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE

Although old and very old age is characterized by an increasing probab ility of negative life events and losses average ratings of subjective well-being do not show an equivalent age-related decrease. Using cros s-sectional and longitudinal data (3 measurement points across 4 yrs.) of the Berlin Aging Study (N = 244, age: 70-100 yrs.), the potential moderating functions of two self-regulatory mechanisms - self-definiti on and personal life investment - with regard to the relationship betw een financial and health constraints and subjective well-being were in vestigated. The main results were: When faced with health constraints, a greater number of self-defining domains was related to higher level s of well-being for Individuals with lower income. Selective focus of personal life investment was related to higher-levels of well-being bo th in the case of financial as well as health constraints. Results are discussed in light of models of successful lifespan development.