Speaking of 'limitations' while trying to disregard them:: A qualitative study of how diminished everyday competence and aging can be regarded

Research shows that there is a difference between being old and feeling old. The way in which the experience of growing into advanced old age is regarded has also been found to play an important role for well-being in old age. One central aspect of this experience - i.e. diminished everyday competence - remains relatively under-researched. This article explores, through 21 qualitative interviews, how a group of elders regard declines in everyday competence. Three distinctive categories were found: (a) diminished everyday competence is regarded as a 'fact of life' that cannot be overcome and must therefore be accepted; (b) as something that could be overcome - in the long run - but must be 'temporarily' accepted and (c) as a matter of fact that can neither be overcome nor accepted. In addition, these categories were found to come hand in hand with specific ways of regarding limitations; being in need of assistance from others and how the process of growing into old age is regarded as a whole. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.