Abstract
The aim of this project was to extend theory and research on service use or avoidance among rural older adults by incorporating well being and attitude variables into the Andersen social behavioral model. The data were from a representative sample (N=471) of community-dwelling Appalachian Virginians having limitations in daily activities and representing different levels of involvement with community agencies. Results indicated that variables indexing more education, less family contact, and a preference for formal services over informal assistance predicted use of formal services. Conclusions address the need to plan and market services differentially for subgroups of rural elders, potential application of the results by community leaders and gerontology practitioners, and suggestions for future research on service use among rural elders.
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Rosemary Blieszner is a professor of Human Development and Associate Director of the Center for Gerontology. Her research focuses on family and friend relationships in old age and their effects on physical and psychological well being.
Karen A. Roberto is Director of the Center for Gerontology and professor of Human Development. Her research investigates the physical, psychological, and social challenges of chronic illness within the context of relationships in late life.
Kusum Singh is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Her research involves study of the psycho-social and educational development of adolescents, including the effect of part-time work on educational outcomes and school engagement.
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Blieszner, R., Roberto, K.A. & Singh, K. The helping networks of rural elders: Demographic and social psychological influences on service use. Ageing Int. 27, 89–119 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-001-1017-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-001-1017-2