This study examined patterns of political participation among a sample of community-based,
urban elderly adults. The data revealed an ongoing pattern of high voting turnout and moderate
involvement in campaign activities, community groups, and personalized contacts with legislators. When compared with the previous 25 years, the frequency of party identification and issue
group membership increased in old age, whereas all other nonvoting forms of political activity
declined Implications are discussed in terms of empowerment, intergenerational conflict, and
party alignments.
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