Date of Conferral

4-15-2024

Date of Award

4-15-2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Karel Kurst-Swanger

Abstract

This case study’s objective was to sustain and increase senior participation in senior center activities by examining the rural senior perception of environmental needs and support of a local senior center. Senior centers assist with aging in place well and aid seniors to be socially active within their communities. Much of the literature around senior centers has focused on urban environments and not on the specific needs of the rural senior. In this study, 24 individuals were interviewed. The questions examined the seniors’ perception about the functionality and accessibility of the senior center to meet their physical and social needs using the person environment fit theory (PE-Fit theory). PE-Fit affects the perceptions and behaviors of the person, which influences whether individuals participate in senior center activities. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using NVivo software searching for themes. The main themes were centered around activities expected at a senior center such as meals, games, and discussion groups. Themes around barriers were transportation, time, and health issues. These themes were used to recommend strategies and guidelines for increasing senior participation in senior centers. Documents including the Facebook page, informative emails, flyers, and policies were analyzed for themes, components, accessibility, and functionality. The analysis provided guidelines for senior centers to better fit their environments to the unique needs of rural seniors. Furthermore, understanding how rural seniors feel that they fit into an environment, and what they perceive their needs are, aids in the development of supportive strategies from other community-based organizations to assist older adults to live and function better within their community which leads to positive social change.

Download

Share

 
COinS