Abstract
Community studies were conducted in three retirement communities: a mobile home community in Florida peopled mostly by retired blue-collar workers; a condomimium of all-Jewish upper middle-class retirees in Florida; and a self-sufficient community of detached dwelling units in Arizona comprised primarily of retired residents from the West and Midwest. In-depth interviews with residents, staff, and local service providers, participant observation, and document collection yielded a rich body of ethnographic data on the everyday lives of older residents in age-segregated com munities. Based upon data collected, a typology of residents was developed, which reflects their various kinds of social role involvements. Six major types of residents lived in the communities: Organizers, Joiners, Socializers, Humanitarians, Recrea tionalists, and Retirees. The typology is a heuristic device which can increase our theorizing potential. Results from the present study have several practical implica tions for planners and community service providers hoping to improve the lot of our nation's elderly.of
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