Perceptions of sociological and psychological age norms by young, middle-aged, and elderly New Zealanders.

Abstract

Groups of young, middle-aged, and elderly New Zealand men and women were surveyed as to their opinions concerning the correct age at which to attain various milestones in life (e.g., get married, retire, become a grandparent, or to manifest various personality traits (e.g., be ambitious, have a sense of life satisfaction, be self-concerned). In general, it was found there was considerable agreement as to when a person should attain the milestones of life. There was little agreement about the correct age at which to manifest certain personality traits. This was taken to indicate that society provides its members with a set of expectations, or age norms, about when to achieve life goals. Society does not, however, seem to provide the same standards for how one should feel when achieving these goals. The greatest amount of variability of opinion for when one should manifest these personality traits was seen in the responses of the middle-aged individuals. This was taken to indicate that middle-age is a particularly ill-defined phase of life and subject to much individual interpretation as to what personal characteristics one should use to define middle-age.