The Impact of Environment on perception of Stress and Symptoms of the Elderly

Elderly persons living in the community were compared with those living in a nursing home regarding experiences with stressful life events. The number of events recalled over the prior two years did not differ; however, the perceived degree of stress was more for those in the community. When persons were divided by high and low perceived stress groups and compared across the two environments, those who perceived more stress had significantly more depression, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties. Nursing home patients may perceive less stress because there are fewer responsibilities for making decisions in nursing homes than in the community and the nursing home itself may provide a support in helping the elderly cope with stress. However, findings suggest that high perceived stress in either environment is associated with adverse psychological symptoms.