A Psychological, and Physiological of Three Groups of Older Adults As Related to Housing Needs and Norms1

Abstract

A pre-occupancy survey was conducted of elderly persons whose names appeared on the waiting lists of two under-construction, independent living facilities for the aged. In addition to these two groups, a third group of elderly defined for the study was comprised of rural, isolated persons living in substandard housing. Assessments were made of: (a) housing quality, (b) physiological and health attributes, (c) group affiliation and social attitudes, (d) daily activity patterns, (e) dietary patterns, and (f) levels of morale, independent care, and self-maintenance. Results indicate widely differing housing norms, levels of housing quality (objective and self-rated), daily activity patterns, tenure patterns, and size of households across the three groups (WESLEY, EASE, and RURAL). Comparisons of health and physiological measures and dietary patterns indicate nonsignificant differences. A research sum mary provides insights into the administrative policy decisions that could act to ease the transition/relocation of new residents. In addition, recommendations are made regarding the cability of alternate housing developments to reach out to the rural elderly who so often reside in the poorest housing and in the most difficult locations.