Involuntary relocation and life satisfaction: comparison between elderly residents of two rural Utah Communities

Data from this longitudinal study of rural elderly residents (60 and over) being Relocated (N=30) versus Non-relocated, rural elderly residents (N-40) were compared to determine if Relocated elderly life satisfaction reports to change over time. Findings revealed that relocated subjects significantly increased in life satisfaction over time, although their reports were not significantly different from Non-relocated controls. Resource variables considered significant to life satisfaction were also correlated with elderly residents' responses to Neugarten, Havighurst and Tobin's (1961) Life Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data on Relocated elderly revealed significant correlations between perceived health, confidant presence, shared living arrangements, and to positive life satisfaction, while the data for Non-relocated subjects only revealed significantly positive correlations between income, more than five really good friends, and life satisfaction. These data leave questions, therefore, whether rural populations under stress differ from non-stressed rural populations on health, income and social support and life satisfaction. This profile was apparent both premove and postmove, and is felt to suggest important coping resources for elderly, rural residents. Nursing implications are discussed.