71 female volunteers (mean age 77.7 yr.) responded to questionnaires measuring age identification (self-identification as young, middle-aged, old) and self-concept (Tennessee Self-concept Scale). “Young/Middle-aged” self-identifications were associated with positive self-concepts, suggesting that chronologically older individuals may use denial of old age to insulate themselves from societal devaluation. It was pointed out that such “denial” of old age may or may not entail a denial of reality.
