The Kansas City Study of Adult Life developed the concept of Life styles to describe and analyze the general patterns and course of an individual's life, and defined success as the extent to which an individual contributes to, or is a burden to, others' lives. Interviews with 168 people resulted in selected case studies grouped under the life styles of world of work, familism, living alone, couplehood, easing through life with minimal involvement, and living fully. Respondents were judged as most, less, or least successful agers. A combined analysis of success and style is made, and interrelationships between styles studied, resulting in grouping of life styles. Related factors such as meaning of health and retirement, rural-urban contrasts, and implications for the theory of disengagement are discussed. It was indicated that people do age successfully in our society, but the minority who do not absorb a disproportionate amount of others' energies while having a negative influence on the mental health of those around them. It was concluded that successful transition to old age may be achieved through any of the six life styles. (pt)