[The influence of socio-demographic factors on personality dimensions in the elderly]

The personality factors neuroticism, extraversion, openness for experiences, agreeableness and conscientiousness were investigated in a random population sample of n=497 people over 60 years old with the help of a German version of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory - NEO-FFI (2, 6). The results were compared with those from n=497 people between 18 and 30 years old and with those from n=1051 people between 31 and 60 years old. The elderly described themselves as being less extroverted, less open, more agreeable and more conscientious than the people under 60 years old. Means of the personality factors were not associated with age in the over 60 years old. The average level of neuroticism and conscientiousness was significantly higher in women over 60 years old than in men. People living in the former Eastern Germany were more open and conscientiousness than those living in former Western Germany. A higher level of openness was found in people with a higher educational level. There was a higher level of neuroticism in people living without a partner than in those living with a partner.