A research study was conducted to explore if and how cultural elements operate to facilitate or inhibit the meeting of needs that constitute successful adaptation to old age among Japanese Americans. Anthropological techniques of participant-observation, informal and structured interviews, and a survey were used as research methods. Formal interviews were conducted with 35 elderly Japanese Americans; survey responses were collected from 150 elderly Japanese Americans and from 102 of their children. Findings indicate that most of the aging Japanese American participants, children and grandchildren provide a large measure of the important elements which contribute to successful adaptation in the later years of life: a sense of security, a feeling of self-worth stemming from life accomplishments, and a source of satisfaction in interpersonal relationships. In order for the elderly Japanese American to maintain this vital source of satisfaction, it is incumbent upon them to minimize the potential for conflict. This is accomplished by strategically adapting existing interactional patterns by emphasizing the importance of values and attitudes so as to avoid the opportunity for dissension or the development of friction. (Author/MK)