Life contexts and health-related selves in old age - Perspectives from theUnited States, India and Congo/Zaire

Although aging and declines in health appear to be intrinsically related al l over the world, there are large cultural differences in the meaning of he alth in old age. From a perspective on subjects who give meaning to themsel ves and their life world health-related selves were examined in relation to biological decline and social systems of caring for and curing the ill in the USA, India, and Congo/Zaire. Two hundred fifty-two elderly filled out a sentence completion questionnaire which asked for self-descriptions. For t he American elderly health was an important value; they expressed fears of becoming ill and dependent, hopes for maintenance of autonomy, health and c ognitive functioning, and intentions to health behaviors. The Congolese eld erly expressed fears of death, hopes for a good death, expectations for dec line in mobility and strength, and for support by their children. The India n elderly generally fall between the Congolese and American extremes, but c ulture-specific cognitions about meditation and a peaceful death are also f ound. The differences in health-related selves are interpreted in relation to chances of healthy aging, specific illnesses, medical systems as well as care systems in each country. The findings are discussed in terms of unive rsal and culture-specific themes of aging and their consequences for geront ological theory. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.