Actual and perceived resources in aging.

Bo Malmberg

Institute of Gerontology, School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University

A resource theoretical model with categories of actual and perceived resources in relation to environmental demands could be useful in gerontology to understand feelings and behavior in old age. It is well known in social welfare studies and gerontology that it is necessary to consider both objectively measured resources and the individual’s perception of these resources separate, although actual and perceived resources are often intermingled. One reason for keeping actual and perceived resources apart is that the actual resources only account for one aspect of the perceived resources. Swedish data are used to illustrate the adequacy of using both concepts. Discrepancies are discussed in terms of measurement problems, earlier experiences, the surrounding environment and personal style of answering. Studies where the distinction between actual and perceived resources helps us better understand results are presented