The specific aims of the investigation reported in this book were: (1) to determine the consistency or change in personality and adjustment of older adults over time and to learn what factors are related to consistency or changes; (2) to study the problem of survivorship by analyzing differences between survivors in regard to socio-psychological correlates of survival; and (3) to investigate the social norms and expectations for the behavior of older persons, to learn how a small community regards its aged members. Chapters of the book are as follows: 1. The Research Problem: Stability and Survival of Older Community Residents; 2. The Setting and the Study Populations; 3. Continuity and Change in Personality and Adjustment; 4. Aging and Survival; 5. The Place of the Old in a Small Community; 6. Summary and Interpretation. The 12 appendixes are: A. Press Release, 1965; B. 1955 Information Sheet; C. 1955 Interview Schedule; D. 1956 Interview Schedule; E. Thematic Apperception Test Rating Sheet, and Outline for TAT analysis; F. The Judge's Rating; G. Interviewer's Report; H. Community Rating, Panelist Interview; I. Organization Leader Interview; J. Professional Services Interview, K. Community Rating, Q-Sort Items; and L. Community Rating, Q-Sort Recording Sheet. Numerous references and a subject index are provided. (DB)