Elderly subjects (N = 166) of varying socioeconomic backgrounds from t
wo sites were given identical resuscitation information and were studi
ed to determine the relationship between socieconomic status and resus
citation preferences. Resuscitation preferences varied among the four
hypothetical scenarios. Univariate analyses revealed that those who we
re older, male, non-Caucasian, less educated, and had less income desi
red more cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the scenarios. Multiva
riate analysis limited significant variables to age, gender, race, and
level of education. Thus there appears to be a strong relationship be
tween socieconomic status and desire for CPR. Future research should e
valuate whether the sociodemographic variables represent proxy variabl
es for underlying life values that may influence resuscitation prefere
nces. Implications for CPR decision making and health policy are discu
ssed.