Selection, optimization, and compensation: strategies to maintain, maximize, and generate resources in later life in the face of chronic illnesses.

This qualitative study of 45 older adults examines how they allocate their resources in the face of chronic health conditions. Participants were recruited from 2 senior centers and interviewed about their repertoire of activities, any changes in those activities in later life, and meanings they ascribed to those changes. The Selection, Optimization, and Compensation model guided our analysis and interpretation of participants' responses.

'So forget how old I am!' Examining age identities in the face of chronic conditions.

This study examines the construction of age identity among older people with chronic conditions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 participants from two senior centres. Applying symbolic interactionism and the concept of stigma to participants' narratives, we identified three categories of age identities: definitely old; definitely not old; and ambivalent about their age identity.

Familism beliefs and psychological distress among African American women caregivers.

Purpose: Drawing from stress and coping models, we examined heterogeneity in the expression of familism (i.e., beliefs about the caregiving role) and its impact on psychological distress among African American women caregivers.