Study utilizing self-determination theory (which poses four types of motivation: intrinsic, self-determined extrinsic, nonself-determined extrinsic, and amotivation) postulates varying consequences for adaptation and well-being. Finds the four types of motivation could be reliably measured and that intercorrelations between them were consistent with theoretical predictions. Identifies other aspects of the lives of elderly patients linked to the types of motivation. (KW)