Interviewed 53 noninstitutionalized elderly to examine patterns of exchange of assistance within their informal helping networks. Results suggest inability to reciprocate rather than need for assistance had a greater negative effect on morale. There was a negative relationship between formal service use and reliance on the informal network.…

While it is clear that health status is important in determining morale, and that social contact also contributes to morale, the interaction of health status and social contact on morale is not well understood. Elderly frail community residents (N=40) were interviewed twice in a 1-year period about their contact with friends, grandchildren,…

Despite the importance of activity programs in geriatric long-term care settings, there has been little investigation of the recreational needs, wants, and interests of male residents. A descriptive interview survey, which assessed self-reported leisure interests, time preference, and morale was given to 102 staff members and 55 male residents of…