Enhancing social interactions and activity among the elderly through stimulus control.

The present study investigated the effectiveness of a stimulus control procedure (access to free coffee and cookies) in increasing attendance and interactions among elderly in a lounge area of a nursing home. Following a baseline period, residents were provided access to coffee and cookies. The results showed that the refreshments were effective in increasing attendance and interactions and in decreasing television watching. In addition, attendance and participation during a subsequent activity session increased. Attendance, interactions, and participation decreased during a return to baseline period, and increased again with reimplementation of treatment.