Assessment of the Psychosocial Adjustment of Well Elderly Residing in Retirement Communities

Abstract

Moving to a retirement community involves a major life transition that requires adjustment to a new way of life. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool to assess the psychosocial adjustment of residents. Using the Life Patterns Model as a conceptual framework, residents of 3 retirement communities (n = 240 residents) were surveyed. Median ages were ∼84 years, Nearly 85% (202) reported that they feel good about themselves and most (92.5%; n = 221) have things to do that they enjoy. Health status was strongly associated with having nearby relatives (r_s = −.232, p > .000, n = 239). A factor analysis supported the use of the conceptual framework. Findings indicate that the tool can used for the designed purpose.