The dual purpose of this study was to investigate in a comprehensive fashion the impact of both micro (housing) and macro (neighborhood) environmental conditions on residential satisfaction as well as to ascertain the relative importance of housing compared to neighborhood elements within a sample of urban elderly men. Data revealed that residential satisfaction was largely a function of macro environmental conditions (i.e., neighborhood beauty, safety, interest level, and quietness).

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This study examined patterns of political participation among a sample of community-based, urban elderly adults. The data revealed an ongoing pattern of high voting turnout and moderate involvement in campaign activities, community groups, and personalized contacts with legislators. When compared with the previous 25 years, the frequency of party identification and issue group membership increased in old age, whereas all other nonvoting forms of political activity declined Implications are discussed in terms of empowerment, intergenerational conflict, and party alignments.

The purpose of this investigation was to identify differences in family functioning and health between older adult volunteers and non-volunteers. Two findings emerged from the data: volunteers reported higher family functioning as well as better health compared to non-volunteers. Implications for social workers involved with volunteer programs and services are discussed in terms of volunteer recruitment and retention, and the related need to develop policies that permit more flexibility and choice with regard to volunteer responsibilities.

No abstract