Abstract:

An experiential field approach, grounded in a contextual view of environmental stress, is used to explore outcomes of the continuing rural crisis of the past decade for elderly residents of 4 small towns. These rural changes threaten the survival of many towns, & affect their elderly residents, who often have enduring economic, social, & psychological investments in their homes & communities. Changes associated with aging may also lead to transitions in the experience of home & community for the elderly, regardless of the town's health. Focus is placed on environmental stressors related to housing & the meaning of attachment to home within economically threatened communities. Implications for policy alternatives & the well-being of rural elderly are discussed.