Relocation and Survival of Institutionalized Aged: A Re-examination of the Evidence

Abstract

Two decades of research have produced equivocal evidence and opinion as to whether relocation is likely to affect the survival of elderly persons, or under what conditions. Published and unpublished data for 26 relocated groups are analyzed by procedures giving comparable (z-score) estimates of mortality outcomes across the entire set of investigations. The results show no general relocation effect and no systematic effect of age, sex, mental or physical status, choice, preparation, environmental change, or mass versus individualized transfer on post-move mortality. Differences in outcome are interpreted in terms of the balance of integrative versus disintegrative processes in the support systems of those who are (to be) relocated.