Table 2 The results for item selection

Psychosocial loss

 12. I see old age mainly as a time of loss.

0.71

 9. I find it more difficult to talk about my feelings as I get older.

0.69

 15. I am losing my physical independence as I get older.

0.66

 17. As I get older, I find it more difficult to make new friends.

0.63

 22. I feel excluded from things because of my age.

0.62

 6. Old age is a depressing time of life.

0.60

 20. I don’t feel involved in society now that I am older.

0.59

 3. Old age is a time of loneliness.

0.56

Physical change

 14. I have more energy now than I expected for my age.

0.80

 23. My health is better than I expected for my age.

0.75

 11. I don’t feel old.

0.69

 16. Problems with my physical health do not hold me back from doing what I want to.

0.65

 8. Growing older has been easier than I thought.

0.63

 24. I keep myself as fit and active as possible by exercising.

0.61

 13. My identity is not defined by my age.

0.59

 7. It is important to take exercise at any age.

0.40

Psychological growth

 5. There are many pleasant things about growing older.

0.68

 4. Wisdom comes with age.

0.66

 2. It is a privilege to grow old.

0.66

 18. It is very important to pass on the benefits of my experiences to younger people.

0.63

 1. As people get older they are better able to cope with life.

0.61

 10. I am more accepting of myself as I have grown older.

0.60

 21. I want to give a good example to younger people.

0.59

 19. I believe my life has made a difference.

0.49