The place of affect, the affect for the place: what do the elderly say?/O lugar do afeto, o afeto pelo lugar: o que dizem os idosos?

This study investigated the favorite and the avoided places, as well as the affects related to them as examples of environmental strategies of emotional regulation. A total of 340 participants (169 male and 171 female), between 60 to 90 years old, living in two Brazilian capitals, Brasilia and Natal, responded individually to a semi-structured interview about their favorite places when they are happy and unhappy, the places they avoid and the reasons for these choices. The results point out to preferences, when they are happy, for environments that allow for social interaction and, next, for their own homes. When the respondents are not happy, the order of those preferences is reverse, and they refer also to places that are agitated and full of stimulation as avoided. It was found more similarities than differences with respect to place of residence, and few differences regarding to gender. Results are discussed in terms of the lifespan perspective as well as the reciprocal influence between person versus environment.