Factors influencing the nighttime activity of old persons in their community.

Individual characteristics and environmental constraints were assessed as influences of the variable frequency of old people's nighttime activity. Data were obtained from structured interviews given to a random sample of 400 persons aged 60 and older living in a middle-class community. Multiple regression analyses revealed that old people who went out more frequently at night had stronger urban and stimulus-seeking environment dispositions, felt more in control of their lives (perceived internal locus of control), were better educated, and were more likely to be employed. They also were less likely to fear going out at night because of crime and had available to them more flexible (automobile) transportation. It is concluded that variability in individual competence or vulnerability alone is not a sufficient basis to explain the variable frequency of old people's nighttime activity.