[Routinization in old age]

Although it is generally known, and even quoted as a quite ordinary failing of old age, routinization has been rarely the subject of scientific investigation. Is this behaviour so "ordinary" as seem to affirm the usual prejudices? In the present article, the authors present an overview of their work on this question. They developed a 10-item 5-point Likert Scale of Preference in Routine. The scale has been validated and related to age, anxiety and depression as well as cognitive deterioration. The results confirm that the routinization can be an interesting indication of vulnerability that must be taken in consideration especially in dealing with institutionalized elderly.