Vulnerability of self and interpersonal strategies: a study of the aged

Twenty-five retired adults living in their own homes (mean age = 71.4), 25 in self-contained independent units within the grounds of established retirement villages (mean age = 76.8), and 25 in hostel accommodations within retirement villages (mean age = 79.8) were interviewed and assessed on levels of fear and aggression, degree of interpersonal activity, and degree of disengagement from social role activities (N = 75, 21 males and 54 females). The results suggest than an expectation of failure in social situations was related to the adoption of an avoidant type of interpersonal strategy that was reflected in the reduction of the aged person's social role activities nd choice of residence.