Multipurpose Senior Centers Research Articles

Participation in Multipurpose Senior Centers

Studies of participation in senior centers frequently compare attenders and nonattenders on a number of social psychological, demographic, and socioeco nomic indicators. The result of these studies is a growing set of generalizations that help to differentiate those who attend from those who do not. This article is based on the premise that the classification ofattenders and nonattenders is a helpful but rather crude classification and examines variation in participation among users of senior centers. The analysis is based on observational methods during a ten-month period in a senior center and interview data collected from a sample of senior center participants (N = 48). Several of the variables used to predict variations in duration and frequency ofsenior centerparticipation are based on multiple indicators (e.g., age identity, anxiety, and life satisfaction). The results suggest that frequent attendance is more likely among elderly adults who use the center primarily as a social agency, but long-time attendance and greater participation in activities are more likely among those who use the center primarily as a voluntary organization. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of the recruitment and development of potential senior leaders in center activities and programming of service for specific types of senior participants.

Levels of Senior Centers

Using the National Institute of Senior Centers definition (NISC, 1978) as a basis, this paper presents a three-level classification of senior center programs, and tests the classification using statewide data collected in Iowa. The study focused on three aspects of the classification: (a) activities and services, (b) staffing and scheduling patterns, and (c) funding sources. Questionnaires were administered to 264 senior center directors and program leaders in Iowa. The findings lend support to the senior center classification, especially in terms of activities and services (exclusive versus inclusive) and staffing and scheduling patterns. In particular, the results suggest that senior clubs and congregate meals sites are providing many of the same supportive services as the traditional multipurpose senior center.

Indexing the Polarization of Social Groups in a Multi-Purpose Senior Center

Small-group interaction plays an important communication role in multi-purpose senior centers. Many aged members are actively participating in goal attainment and are also involved in serving the community through club activities. Guided by Hemphill's concept of polarization, the study explored the shared organizational goals of 9 clubs in a multi-ethnic senior center. The findings have implications for participants' greater involvement and accountability

Toward a Competency-Based Taxonomy of Objectives in a Multi-Purpose Senior Center

A taxonomy of objectives was developed in a multi-purpose senior center in three domains, individualized services, group activities and community development. The system was based on the interplay between experience and theory in gerontology, and is used for monitoring need assessment and delivery of services to the elderly.

The Simulation of Age-Related Sensory Losses: A New Approach to the Study of Environmental Barriers

Through the use of mechanical appliances to simulate the “normal” sensory losses that often accompany advanced age, the research team repeatedly performed a number of tasks in a dwelling unit, a multi-purpose senior center, and a shopping center, in order to discover and evaluate the nature of environmental barriers faced by the elderly individual. The study revealed specific problems that are encountered when the visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses are impaired. Space organized by these senses functions both as a stimulus and in the orientation of the individual. The simulation model was shown to be valuable as both a research and a training tool.