Social and environmental infantilization of aged persons: observations in two adult day care centers

This study examines the social environments, staff behavior, and social interaction of elderly clients in two adult day care centers. Goffman's (1961) description of the psycho-social effects of the "total institution" is used as a framework for conceptualizing the effects of "partial institutions" on older persons. Using qualitative research techniques, we observed the environments, activities, and interactions of approximately seventy-two clients in two adult day care settings. When the staff and environment were more infantilizing, provided less autonomy, and fewer opportunities for privacy regulation, the clients had lower social interaction with peers. In contrast, when the center had a more adult setting, with age appropriate activities, there was greater privacy regulation, autonomy, social contact, and friendships among clients.