Centre for Policy on Ageing



Effects of housing relocation on immunocompetence and psychosocial functioning in older adults
Author(s)	Susan K Lutgendorf, Toni Tripp Reimer, John H Harvey
Journal title	Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, vol 56A, no 2, February 2000
Pages	pp M97-M105
Keywords	House removal ; Housing [elderly] ; Health [elderly] ; Cognitive processes ; United States of America.
Annotation	The psychological and physical response to moderate life stressors in older people has not been well characterised. This research examines effects of voluntary housing relocation on distress and immune function in healthy older people as a model for studying the effects of moderate life stress. 30 older people moving to congregate living were assessed 1 month pre-move, 2 weeks post-move, and 3 months post-move. 28 non-moving controls were similarly assessed. Assessment was by psychosocial questionnaire and blood sample assay. Movers demonstrated decreased vigour and elevated thought intrusion 1 month pre-move and 2 weeks post-move; by 3 month follow-up, vigour had increased and intrusion decreased to levels commensurate with controls. In general, healthy older people recover well psychologically from moderate, temporary life stresses such as moving house. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-010307203 A
Classmark	TNH: KE: CC: DA: 7T
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.