Relocation of the Aged: a Review and Theoretical Analysis

The literature on the relocation of the aged is examined and the findings are presented within a framework of three types of moves--institution to institution, home to institution, and home to home--with each type having a voluntary and involuntary component. A theoretical model is proposed to explain the often contradictory results reported in this literature. In brief, it is argued that an individuals' response to relocation is largely determined by (a) the perceived predictability and controllability of the events surrounding a move and (b) differences in controllability between pre- and post-relocation environments. The validity of this model is tested by examining existing research and suggestions for future research are made.