Objectives: Although routine activities are important to normal functioning across all phases of life, their expression in older people may be associated with cognitive and psychological vulnerability.
Methods: The relationship between these variables was explored in 235 elderly French participants from the PAQUID cohort study.
Results: Cross-sectional positive associations were found between preferences for routines, anxiety and depression levels, and cognitive complaints. General cognitive decline over a three-year time span was also associated with a greater desire for routines at the end of this period.
Conclusions: The progressive routinization of behaviors and activities in older people is discussed as a marker of affective and cognitive vulnerability, and its understanding has potential for improving the early detection of adaptation difficulties and overall care in this population.
Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.