Aging is an area of study that has undergone considerable change in the
recent past. At present, methodological flaws and researcher biases are
giving way to a view of aging as a highly individualized and variable
process, rich in experience and potential. From this new perspective
this paper reviews older age coping and defines it as a healthy and
positive process characteristic of development at later ages. Coping is
regarded as a critical strategy, allowing the older population to
appraise their situation, access needed skills, and face critical, radically
distinct life tasks. In support of this position the traits of defensiveness
and rigidity, often regarded as characteristic of the aged, are discussed
and found to be inappropriate.
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