Self-presentational concerns in older adults: Implications for health and well-being

Self-presentational concerns and their sequelae are not unique to the young . Considerable research suggests that older adults are also motivated to en gage in strategic self-presentation. This article reviews evidence that num erous self-presentational concerns of older adults stem from agb and health -related changes and are associated with concerns about one's physical appe arance, being perceived as competent and self-reliant, and ascribing to beh avioral norms. For each of these areas, self-presentational concerns and im pression management strategies are identified. In addition, the implication s of using a self-presentational approach to examine the physical and psych ological well-being of older individuals are discussed.