Many Meanings of Community

Abstract

Abstract Powell Lawton's theoretical and empirical work greatly increased understanding of communities as contexts for successful aging. This article illustrates the direct and indirect contributions of Lawton's work for multiple meanings of community at the physical, personal, suprapersonal, and social environmental levels. This includes the ETA (Ecological Theory of Aging) and its value as an empirical and practical tool for understanding environmental coping among old community residents; his seminal work on community planning; emotion as a determinant, moderator, and outcome of environmental adjustment, place identity, and place attachment in community settings; and his novel use of the dimension of time in community studies. We share some personal memories of the range and impact of Lawton's work and advice on our own community level research.