[Difficulties and rewards on aging: the elderly's self perception].

The purpose of this study was to identify in the scientific literature, the self-image and representations that elders have about themselves in different contexts. Frequently, the society considers aging as a "problem", creating stereotypes that could result in the exclusion of the aged. Through the analysis of researches that investigated the opinion of the elders about their difficulties and rewards in old age, it was evidenced how important are the choices people make through the life. The inner possibilities and the social participation were identified as important elements for the elderly self perception.