Abstract
This research examined the subjective experiences of 4 domains of aging, which consisted of physical and socio-psychological decline, "conversion of orientedness", and "leeway and maturation," with 2026 adults aged 30-75. Categorical canonical analysis revealed three interrelated dismensions: 1) aging and "leeway and maturation," 2) physical and socio-psychological decline along with negative psychological and economic states, and 3) "conversion of orientedness" and psychological factors. It was notable that Conversion of orientedness was related to an increase in emotional instability in men and an increase of self-esteem in women. The results of a MANOVA showed that aging as a developmental experience becomes recognizable from one's 40's. In addition, the four domains of aging were found to have independent psychological structures and processes. Relations between the four domains in the latter part of middle adulthood also differed from that found at other life stages in terms of correlations between Conversion of orientedness and other domains. Therefore, later-middle age appeared to have a developmental characteristic whereby Conversion of orientedness was significantly correlated with positive aspects of aging.
