EXPLORING FACTORS OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL PERFORMANCE, HEALTH AND PERSONAL CONTROL AMONG RETIRED SENIORS AND SENIORS OWNING HOME-BASED BUSINESSES IN NON-METROPOLITAN COUNTIES

Persons (n = 77) over age fifty-five and living within nine non-metrop olitan counties participated in this study to determine if the factors of social performance, health, and personal control were perceived di fferently by those operating a home-based business than those individu als fully retired from any employment. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of health or desire for self-contro l, though the home-based business owners were found to desire more soc ial contact than non home-based business owners. In addition, those ho me-based business owners who desired high degrees of self-control, fou nd operation of a business from the home to be highly satisfactory.