Programming to meet the needs of the elderly in institutions: part I

A survey of 24 institutionalized elderly people was conducted to determine their present interests and activities in the institution and those prior to institutionalization. It was found that elderly women's former interests were maintained for the most part in the institutions except for homemaking, but that less opportunity was provided for elderly men to pursue their former interests. The types of activities and interests described by these subjects tend to correspond with the types of activities commonly included in programs designed by occupational therapists for elderly residents in institutions.