The present research explores the relationship between identity and changes in physical functioning over the adult years. Adults from 40-95 years of age (N = 242) rated themselves in 20 areas of normative functioning and identity processes. The findings indicate that adults as young as 40 are sensitive to age-related changes. Those 65 and older exhibited greater sensitivity to changes in competence. Identity assimilation was used most by adults under 65, particularly in the area of cognitive functioning. For individuals in both age groups, identity assimilation was positively related to self-esteem. The findings suggest that individuals may make behavioral adjustments without ruminating or becoming preoccupied, a strategy that may promote healthy adaptation to the aging process. Clinical implications of these findings are examined.

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The situation faced by homeless people within South Africa is one complicated by numerous social, economic and political problems interacting to form a unique situation. The researcher volunteered within the church-based organisation U-turn, interacting with clients at a soup kitchen in Cape Town, South Africa. Using an ethnographic approach, the researcher was faced with dilemmas emerging from Tronto's (1993) "ethic of care". Discussing this organisation's mixed results at providing transformative care within this ethic and their own theoretical framework brings to light the merits of providing any service at all to clients who have very little else.