Data from a 1968 national sample of older people (N=3,996) indicated that pet ownership was more frequent in owner-occupied residences in smaller communities where other family, including children were present. No association was found between pet ownership and psychological well-being or health. (Author)

Describes four sectors comprising "the good life": behavioral competence, psychological well-being, perceived quality of life, and objective environment. Assessment approaches for each sector are described and empirical evidence is presented regarding interrelationships among them. Presented at the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting of the…

Examines living arrangements as both an outcome of previous lifestyle, and as an antecedent for other events. Findings indicate that despite their much lower incomes, not-presently-married women live in housing of considerably higher quality than do men in comparable marital statuses and living arrangements. (Author)

Conducted baseline interviews with 642 caregivers of aged Alzheimer's disease patients, then assigned one-half to formal respite care. Over 12 months, families with respite care maintained Alzheimer's patient significantly longer in community than did caregivers without respite. Respite care was ineffective for caregiver burden and mental health,…

Assessed the health and well-being of 494 elderly residents in five federally assisted housing projects several years after a study of a similar sample of original occupants. Decline in functioning was more notable in psychological than in health domains. Declines were accommodated by developing different clusters of services delivered by…

Purpose: We systematically measured the associations between environmental design features of nursing home special care units and the incidence of aggression, agitation, social withdrawal, depression, and psychotic problems among persons living there who have Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. Design and Methods: We developed and tested a…