Managing threats against control in old age: a narrative inquiry.

Background: The desire to retain personal control over self and life circumstances continues into old age; it exists in tension with late-life vulnerabilities.

Objectives: This article investigates how older adults respond to threats against control in light of changes surrounding health and identity.

Methods: Community-dwelling African American (n = 10) and European-American older adults (n = 10), aged 70 years and older, with varied self-reported health statuses were qualitatively interviewed.