The Course of Life for Old People †

Various aspects of institutional living for old people are discussed, particularly the imposition of a lifestyle completely foreign to their previous way of existence. Old people who have been living in one manner for about seventy years cannot be expected to adjust readily to another rhythm. The clash of lifestyles creates maladaptive behavior and adjustment problems that have not been adequately studied. Suggestions are made for approaches to resolve these difficulties. In essence, the techniques include reprogramming of institutional living for old people so that they have an opportunity to maintain their customary lifestyle. Examples of such programming are presented.