Personality does not predict stressful event occurrence in elderly persons

This study investigates associations between personality characteristics and event occurrence in old age. The sample included 83 individuals (mean age 71.9, SD = 7.1; 55.4% females), randomly selected from the participants of a community survey among elderly persons. Several personality measures, obtained during the survey, were used to predict the occurrence of stressful life events a few years later. None of the personality characteristics was significantly associated with later event occurrence, neither with respect to the overall number of negative or positive events, nor with respect to only interpersonal events. The results indicate lack of event production in old age, which may indicate that, compared to younger age groups, elderly persons are less actively involved in shaping their own experiences.