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As critical infrastructure of age-friendly cities, senior centers are designed to be embedded in communities and facilitate service accessibility for older adults. However, their underutilization is widely documented, suggesting a need to reassess their effectiveness. Existing studies often analyze the issue focusing on socio-demographic factors, overlooking the spatial contexts in which senior centers are embedded and their impacts on older people's access. This study aims to address the research gap by investigating the spatial embeddedness of senior centers using Space Syntax methods and examining its influence on older people's access patterns. Using a geo-behavioral dataset collected in Nanjing, China, we find that about 70% of the senior centers in the research area are embedded in highly localized settings with limited connections to global street networks, which significantly restricts the access of older people from wider spatial contexts. This spatial segregation may force senior centers to incur higher costs to attract users, thereby reducing the effectiveness of community-based services. This study introduces a novel spatial perspective to evaluate community-based services, highlighting the critical influence of the spatial context on service accessibility. The findings provide valuable empirical insights for policymakers and planners striving to create age-friendly cities and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based care services offered by senior centers are vital for supporting older adults' independent living. The number of senior centers has escalated in China in recent years. Despite scholarly interest in the potential accessibility of senior centers, research on older adults' realized access remains scarce. Using the geo-referenced check-in data of 2382 users of senior centers in Nanjing, China, this study aims to fill this gap by examining the disparities between older adults' potential and realized access to senior centers and the influence of multilevel spatial and non-spatial factors. This study indicates that potential access is often significantly overestimated compared with the actual accessibility of senior centers, with older adults' distances of realized access (mean = 1319 m) being considerably greater than potential access (mean = 325 m). Spatial and regression analyses confirm that older adults living in newly built, lower-priced houses in the inner city are more likely to travel longer distances to reach senior centers. Spatial proximity is less effective in predicting realized access for those living further from senior centers. Instead, the location and service quality of senior centers play a more prominent role. These findings enrich our understanding of older adults' access to community-based care, informing planning and policy interventions for the development of age-friendly communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined energy performance improvement factors by analyzing both energy performance and the economic impacts to reduce energy costs for senior centers. A fact-finding survey was conducted on 20 senior centers in a metropolitan area, identifying key energy improvement factors. Energy simulations of the buildings were performed using ECO2, an officially certified energy assessment program in Korea, comparing the energy requirements before and after the improvements. The energy demand, energy consumption, and floor area were analyzed, with the J, K, and S standard models selected based on the median values of these factors. To assess the impact of the improvements, blower door tests were conducted on two senior centers before and after window upgrades. Based on the ECO2 simulations and the blower door test results, improvement priorities were identified in the following order: windows, exterior walls, boilers, roofs, and doors. Finally, an economic feasibility analysis applied the construction and heating costs to the standard models. Over a 40-year period, only boiler improvements generated a net profit. Without government support, this study recommends prioritizing boiler upgrades when selecting energy performance improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the globally aging population, neighborhood senior activity centers (SACs) provide a platform for older adults to remain active and socially connected to the community, maintaining psychosocial wellbeing for successful aging. We studied perceptions and participation of members from a neighborhood SAC, their psychosocial wellbeing and living experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We adopted a sequential mixed-methods study design: 49 members of a SAC, aged ≥ 60, were recruited, and 13 of them were subsequently selected for focus group discussions. Participants revealed that the center and its programs provided them with opportunities to learn something new, occupy time meaningfully, receive care and support, engage with others and increase social interaction, especially through health-related programs. Majority of participants felt increased social isolation with COVID-19 restrictions, due to increased restrictions, boredom, fear and reluctance in engaging in programs outside of their homes. Our quantitative results suggest no associations between frequency of participation in center's programs and psychosocial wellbeing. Nevertheless, the center appears to play an important role in improving psychosocial wellbeing, providing structure and social engagement among older adults in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The global older adult population is increasing. Early detection and intervention through health check-ups are crucial for successful aging, as they play a significant role in identifying and addressing diseases. This study explored the relationship between the utilization of senior centers and the promotion of health check-ups. It utilized data from 10,097 individuals aged 65 years and above, sourced from the 2020 Elderly Survey in South Korea. The primary variable of interest was classified into two groups: those who utilized senior centers and those who did not. Subgroups were further categorized based on the frequency of usage and the presence of family members among senior centers users. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the utilization of senior centers and participation in health check-ups. Both men and women utilizing senior centers demonstrated a higher likelihood of participating in health check-ups compared with those who did not use senior centers. Participants visiting senior centers in a week exhibited a progressively higher likelihood of engaging in health check-ups compared with those who visited such senior centers zero times a week. Senior centers can serve as effective intervention methods to enhance health check-ups among older adults. Furthermore, this can contribute to fostering successful aging among older adults.

Community-based care services offered by senior centers are vital for supporting older adults’ independent living. The number of senior centers has escalated in China in recent years. Despite scholarly interest in the potential accessibility of senior centers, research on older adults’ realized access remains scarce. Using the geo-referenced check-in data of 2382 users of senior centers in Nanjing, China, this study aims to fill this gap by examining the disparities between older adults’ potential and realized access to senior centers and the influence of multilevel spatial and non-spatial factors. This study indicates that potential access is often significantly overestimated compared with the actual accessibility of senior centers, with older adults’ distances of realized access (mean = 1319 m) being considerably greater than potential access (mean = 325 m). Spatial and regression analyses confirm that older adults living in newly built, lower-priced houses in the inner city are more likely to travel longer distances to reach senior centers. Spatial proximity is less effective in predicting realized access for those living further from senior centers. Instead, the location and service quality of senior centers play a more prominent role. These findings enrich our understanding of older adults’ access to community-based care, informing planning and policy interventions for the development of age-friendly communities.

As critical infrastructure of age-friendly cities, senior centers are designed to be embedded in communities and facilitate service accessibility for older adults. However, their underutilization is widely documented, suggesting a need to reassess their effectiveness. Existing studies often analyze the issue focusing on socio-demographic factors, overlooking the spatial contexts in which senior centers are embedded and their impacts on older people’s access. This study aims to address the research gap by investigating the spatial embeddedness of senior centers using Space Syntax methods and examining its influence on older people’s access patterns. Using a geo-behavioral dataset collected in Nanjing, China, we find that about 70% of the senior centers in the research area are embedded in highly localized settings with limited connections to global street networks, which significantly restricts the access of older people from wider spatial contexts. This spatial segregation may force senior centers to incur higher costs to attract users, thereby reducing the effectiveness of community-based services. This study introduces a novel spatial perspective to evaluate community-based services, highlighting the critical influence of the spatial context on service accessibility. The findings provide valuable empirical insights for policymakers and planners striving to create age-friendly cities and communities.

The global older adult population is increasing. Early detection and intervention through health check-ups are crucial for successful aging, as they play a significant role in identifying and addressing diseases. This study explored the relationship between the utilization of senior centers and the promotion of health check-ups. It utilized data from 10,097 individuals aged 65 years and above, sourced from the 2020 Elderly Survey in South Korea. The primary variable of interest was classified into two groups: those who utilized senior centers and those who did not. Subgroups were further categorized based on the frequency of usage and the presence of family members among senior centers users. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the utilization of senior centers and participation in health check-ups. Both men and women utilizing senior centers demonstrated a higher likelihood of participating in health check-ups compared with those who did not use senior centers. Participants visiting senior centers in a week exhibited a progressively higher likelihood of engaging in health check-ups compared with those who visited such senior centers zero times a week. Senior centers can serve as effective intervention methods to enhance health check-ups among older adults. Furthermore, this can contribute to fostering successful aging among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of an aging population is becoming increasingly serious, and the establishment of senior centers helps to promote the physical health and mental health of the older adult, a key factor in achieving the high-quality development of the old-age security industry. The government has issued a number of policies to promote the establishment and development of senior centers. However, more and more older adult care policy mixes have gradually shown the phenomenon of poor policy connection, confusing standards, and even mutually exclusive content, resulting in many problems in the construction of policy-driven senior centers. Therefore, based on the overall perspective of the older adult care policy mix, this paper uses the GMM method to explore the impact of the comprehensiveness, balance, and consistency of older adult care policy tool portfolios issued by Chinese government agencies on the construction of senior centers in China. The empirical analysis results show that a comprehensive and consistent policy mix can promote the establishment of senior centers, while the balance of the policy mix will inhibit the establishment of senior centers. This paper analyzes the impact of older adult care policy on the construction of senior centers from the perspective of the policy mix, which helps to clarify the different policy effects produced by different policy mix characteristics and provides feasible policy suggestions for the government to formulate more reasonable and effective policies.

Abstract Background Senior centers offer important opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. Seniors who visit a senior center regularly can gain physical activity from transportation and from specific activities offered within the senior center. However, there is very little knowledge regarding the specific physical activity gains obtained from regular visits to senior centers, and no effort has been made to use device-based measures of physical activity to test the potential physical activity benefits of attending a senior center. Methods To fill this gap, the present study examined the physical activity patterns of 227 seniors living in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area in Spain. Using GPS and Accelerometer 7-day tracking data, and GIS measures we assessed the light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) benefits of attending the senior center on a weekly and daily basis. Results Seniors who attended a senior center at least once a week did not accumulate significantly more daily physical activity (211.6 min; 95% CI 196.6; 226.6) than seniors without any visit 215.9 min; 95% CI 202.7; 229). However, on a day-to-day basis, it was found that visiting a senior center had positive effects in physical activity and was associated with less sedentary time among younger participants in general (− 18.2 daily min 95% CI − 33.2;-3.3 p = 0.016) and among older female participants in particular (− 19.7 daily min 95% CI -21.06;-18.5 p = 0.011). Conclusions The benefits of attending senior centers in terms of physical activity should not be viewed as universal, but rather as contingent to the demographics of the user, and the type of activity that the visit is replacing.

Purpose: A better understanding of service utilization patterns at senior service centers can improve program development and constituent usage Theory: This research examines whether participation in senior center activities is a function of senior socialization that reinforces and supports existing social ties by selecting specific activities in senior centers. Methods: A total of 924 participants of senior centers in a municipality in the Southwest were surveyed. Results: We find that having closer friends influences participation in certain senior center services. We also find that gender, race, ethnicity, and income also explain different usage rates beyond age. Conclusion: Opportunities to foster social interaction to grow and reduce barriers to participation and market to a broader range of current and potential participants are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper examines the time-varying accessibility to senior centers by public transit in Philadelphia using the GTFS data. • Accessibility to senior centers declines from the downtown to the suburbs. • Neighborhoods with higher shares of older adults tend to have lower accessibility to senior centers. • Neighborhoods with higher shares of households having zero cars are better served. • Neighborhoods with higher shares of African Americans and Hispanics are less well served. Public transit offers older adults an important alternative travel mode for accessing social activity destinations. Given the growing size and socioeconomic diversity of the older population, transportation planners should consider how current urban transit systems can better meet their needs. In this study, we examine the time-varying accessibility to senior centers by public transit in each census tract of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Senior centers are community service and activity hubs for older adults which are typically overseen by the local area agency on aging. They offer a variety of services and social activities for older adults, including free meals, volunteering opportunities, information, and technology training. Using General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data and socioeconomic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we analyze how accessibility varies across census tracts with respect to the tract's share of older adults, particularly those in vulnerable subgroups. We found that accessibility to senior centers declines from the downtown area to the suburbs but varies considerably among the vulnerable subgroups studied. We also found that when accounting for the open hours of senior centers, accessibility to senior centers is generally lower around midday (2 PM) than during peak hours (8:30 AM) on Mondays. We used the vertical equity index to examine social disparities in accessibility among older adults. We found that while SEPTA underserves neighborhoods with higher shares of older adults, tracts with higher shares of some vulnerable subgroups are better served than those with lower shares. Specifically, neighborhoods with higher shares of households that have no cars are better served than those with higher shares of African American and Hispanic older adults. These results suggest that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) should work together to better accommodate the diverse travel needs of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that felt age among older adults is a good proxy for their current and future physical and mental health. Using both quantitative and qualitative interview data, we examined correlates of and self-reported reasons for felt age among 102 low–socioeconomic status (SES), non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic older adults who were members of a senior activity center. Fewer activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) impairments, more positive affect, and higher self-efficacy were associated with higher odds of feeling younger, while financial stress was associated with lower odds. The most common self-reported reasons for younger felt age were staying active, followed by good health, positive attitudes, exercise/dancing, independence, interpersonal/intimate relationships, faith/spirituality, volunteering, family, driving/traveling, and being of sound mind. Poor health, lack of energy, and limited ability to engage in activities were self-reported reasons for older felt age. Senior center programs that enable older adults to stay active and socially integrated may contribute to their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Senior centers offer important opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. Seniors who visit a senior center regularly can gain physical activity from transportation and from specific activities offered within the senior center. However, there is very little knowledge regarding the specific physical activity gains obtained from regular visits to senior centers, and no effort has been made to use device-based measures of physical activity to test the potential physical activity benefits of attending a senior center.Methods: To fill this gap, the present study examined the physical activity patterns of 227 seniors living in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area in Spain. Using GPS and Accelerometer 7-day tracking data, and GIS measures we assessed the light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) benefits of attending the senior center on a weekly and daily basis.Results: Seniors who attended a senior center at least once a week did not accumulate significantly more daily physical activity (211.6 min; 95% CI 196.6; 226.6) than seniors without any visit 215.9 min; 95% CI 202.7; 229). However, on a day-to-day basis, it was found that visiting a senior center had positive effects in physical activity and was associated with less sedentary time among younger participants in general (- 18.2 daily min 95% CI - 33.2;-3.3 p = 0.016) and among older female participants in particular (- 19.7 daily min 95% CI -21.06;-18.5 p = 0.011).Conclusions: The benefits of attending senior centers in terms of physical activity should not be viewed as universal, but rather as contingent to the demographics of the user, and the type of activity that the visit is replacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that patients at risk of falling engage in evidence‐based community fall prevention programs (EBCFPPs). EBCFPPs are often delivered in senior centers (SCs). This is the first independent assessment of availability of EBCFPPs in SCs. DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study of four types of EBCFPPs in the 25‐mile radius of 10 US academic centers (ACs). SETTING: SCs. PARTICIPANTS: SCs. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS: Number and types of EBCFPPs offered at SCs. RESULTS: Across the 10 ACs, 249 SCs were sampled. Of the SCs, 35% offered zero, 54% offered at least one, 9% offered at least two, and 2% offered at least three EBCFPPs. Tai Chi of any type was offered in 59.8%, A Matter of Balance was offered in 8.9%, Stepping On was offered in 8.0%, and Staying Active and Independent for Life was offered in 1.2% of SCs sampled. SCs near Columbia University offered all four of the programs, while those near the University of Utah, Johns Hopkins University, and Seattle University only offered three of the programs. In univariate analysis, the number of local SCs was significantly associated with quantity of EBCFPPs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9‐2.6; P < .001), but not with diversity of EBCFPPs (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 1.0‐1.1; P =.13). In multivariate regression, city, sex distribution, and average household income did not correlate with the overall number or the diversity of EBCFPPs, whereas locales with more SCs offered more EBCFPPs (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.7‐2.9; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of SCs still do not offer any EBCFPPs. From those that do, few offer a diversity of these programs. Opportunities exist to increase access to EBCFPPs in SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 385 participants attending two separate comprehensive multipurpose senior centers in Tennessee. Based on self-reports, the findings suggest senior centers provide a prominent role in improving the physical and mental health of older clients. In addition to documenting the health and wellness benefits, respondents provided detailed personal accounts of the value and meaning they place on senior center friendships. Participants acknowledged that these social networks provide much-needed emotional support as well as instrumental assistance beyond the confines of the senior center. Using a conceptual framework stressing successful aging, these findings suggest the senior center as serves critical element of the long-term care continuum providing a therapeutic place to thrive in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixed-methods needs assessment was conducted in an urban senior center serving lower-income seniors in Toronto, Ontario, to determine whether they should offer a congregate meal program. Methods included three focus groups with participants (n = 31), a focus group with staff (n = 8), a center-wide survey (n = 36), and a community scan of programs in the area. Interviews with five coordinators at other seniors’ centers who offered meal programs were also used to gauge interest and assist with program development. The results of these activities supported offering a twice weekly lunch program with user fees. Over a 6-month pilot period, process evaluation was conducted, comprising observations, record review, and focus groups with participants (n = 9) and staff/volunteers (n = 7) to examine delivery, usage, and costs. Results indicated that the program was well-received and affordable, and that demands on staff were reasonable when a facilitator with culinary training was available. The lessons learned can be used to guide other senior centers in developing and evaluating congregate meal programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examined the association between older adults’ mealtime interactions at senior centers in Shanghai and their life satisfaction. Competing hypotheses, derived from socioemotional selectivity theory and activity theory, were tested. Method: Data were obtained from the 2011 Shanghai senior center service utilization survey (N = 320). Relationships between respondents’ mealtime interactions and life satisfaction were tested using multilevel regression modeling. Results: After adjusting for demographics, interactions with tablemates (companionship, self-disclosure, and instrumental support) were positively associated with respondents’ life satisfaction. These associations varied by senior centers. However, the number of tablemates was not significantly associated with respondents’ life satisfaction. Discussion: Findings support the activity-theory-based hypothesis that mealtime interactions are related to older adults’ life satisfaction independent of the number of tablemates. This study illuminates the value of social interactions in the context of community dining programs for the rapidly increasing older population in urban China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, a Jewish-sponsored senior center that had served older Jews and non-Jews for decades was forced to close. This article describes the meaning of the senior center to its participants and the impact of its closing on its members. The closing of the center raises larger questions about the potential role of older adults in the life of the larger community and how the loss of such institutions can inhibit the ability of older adults to contribute to and enrich the lives of all members of their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of cognitive impairment for the elders taking part in activities at senior community center and to identify the multiple factors affecting the cognitive dysfunction of them. Data were collected for the 375 elders taking part in activities at senior community center at 4 different areas of dong, up, and myun of C-city from June 2016 to July 2016, and their general characteristics as well as health-related characteristics, depression, and cognitive dysfunction were investigated and analyzed. The results of this study showed that cognitive dysfunction was affected by the age, education, economic support, history of stroke, and exercise. The risk of cognitive dysfunction was 3.50 times higher in patients over 80 years old than patients below 74 years old(p=.002), and the lower the level of education showed the higher the risk of cognitive dysfunction(p=.036)(p<.001). In addition, the risk of cognitive dysfunction was low in the absence of a history of stroke(p=.033), and the risk of cognitive dysfunction increased by 1.84 times if they do not exercise(p=.044). Based on the present study, It is required to consider the risk factors for cognitive dysfunction efforts to prevent and manage cognitive impairment before the onset of cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, with the population growth of elderly people, concerns about oral health related to the quality of life of the elderly are increasing. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between the elderly women divided into dementia, suspected dementia, healthy groups and the remaining teeth of them. Total 177 elderly women of over 60 years old, visiting on senior center in some community dwelling, were assessed for oral condition and their cognitive function with MMSE score. All the collected data were analyzed by chi-square test, t-test, and multiful logistic regression using SPSS. Multiful logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship of dementia according to MMSE score and remaining teeth, and 95% confidence intervals were computed. Odds ratio(OR) of the number of remaining teeth 0-10 was 3.43 (95% confidence interval: 1.382-8.997). This study showed significant difference and the relationship between dementia according to MMSE score and the number of remaining teeth of the elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates how every day interactions within senior centers may be conducive to the generation of social capital that seniors can tap into, and how the creation of social capital is shaped by the social positions and physical location of the individuals involved. Based on 22 in-depth interviews and 15 months of field observations at two centers in Phoenix, one serving Asians and the other Latinos, we find that the presence of seniors in socially advantageous positions facilitates the flow of beneficial resources for other seniors. Seeming ethnic differences in the generation of social capital actually stem from the interaction of other forms of capital and the structure of opportunities for different groups, reflecting broader patterns in the reproduction of inequality. These observations may be policy-relevant with regard to the allocation of public resources in the face of fiscal crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on senior center attendance has focused mainly on the differences between senior center users and nonusers. However, this study explored the predictors distinguishing 3 categories of senior center users: users, nonusers, and former users. The data for this study were drawn from the 2004 National Survey on Living Status and Social Needs of the Korean Older Population, conducted jointly by the Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. A total of 3,009 elderly persons aged 65 years and older living in the community were analyzed. Results showed there are significant predictors distinguishing both nonusers from users and nonusers from former users. However, no significant differences were found between former users and users. Overall, this study moderately supports the findings of previous studies and revealed contradictory results for gender, education, and location of residence variables. Older Koreans who are male, educated, socially active, and living in urban areas are more likely to attend senior centers. The Korean traditional family system and service delivery network are suggested as a partial cause of the contradictory results. More research is needed to specify why former users discontinued attending senior centers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article describes health promotion programming in senior centers around the leading causes of death in adults age 65 and older. A national sample of 500 senior centers participated in a telephone interview from June to November 2006. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize programs offered, and chi-square statistics were used to compare programming between urban and rural centers. While many senior centers provided resources for chronic conditions and falls prevention, a significant proportion did not. Blood pressure monitoring and nutrition programs were the most frequently offered programs. Programs were more likely to be offered in urban than rural centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the effectiveness of mixed-mode methodology, this article draws on a study that used both online and paper surveys to collect data on a sample of the over 50 population in a small New England town. Respondents were offered the option of responding online or with a paper survey, an approach that addresses some of the major concerns about using online surveys among groups with limited Internet access while also reducing costs and simplifying data entry. The authors demonstrate that response mode does not have a significant effect on survey answers once demographic variables (such as employment and income) are added to the analysis. In addition, the results from this survey suggest that the Internet is useful as a tool to collect data from those over 50. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article describes my year-long experience as a member of the Portage Senior Center Band (PSCB). I had been familiar with the band through occasional subbing for one of their trombone players but wanted to gain more insight into members of the band, especially since I had seen dramatic increases in the level of musicality over the years. As a participant observer for a twelve-month period, I actively participated in all but two scheduled performances and rehearsals but took a passive role in group discussions and problem-solving so as not to jeopardize my observer relationship. Despite an age difference of fifteen to 30 years, I was accepted as a member of the band. This provided me a more authentic view of the types of challenges I and others in the Boomer generation may face in the years ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the author's experience when, as director of the New York-based Elders Share the Arts organization, she was designated as the research project director for Gene D. Cohen's landmark creativity in aging study. Her personal reflections describe how she began her work with Dr. Cohen as an arts administrator unexpectedly immersed in the world of outcomes research and later, as an important part of a project that demonstrated the possibilities and benefits of creativity and the arts in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test the feasibility and effectiveness of the Senior Exercise Self-efficacy Project (SESEP). Design: A feasibility study using a randomized control trial. Sample: The total sample included 166 persons, with a mean age of 73 years ( SD=8.2 years), the majority of whom were female (81%), African American (72%), unmarried (86%), had at least a high school education (64%), and were retired (77%). There were 100 participants in the intervention group and 66 in the comparison group. Methods: The SESEP was a combined physical activity and efficacy-enhancing intervention for community-dwelling minority older adults. The primary outcomes included self-efficacy, outcome expectations, exercise, and overall physical activity, and the secondary outcomes were mental and physical health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, pain, fear of falling, mobility, and chair rise time. Data were collected at baseline and following the 12-week intervention. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in outcome expectations ( p=.02), time spent in exercise ( p=.04), and depressive symptoms ( p=.02). Overall, there was a 77% rate of participation in classes. Conclusion: Although there was good participation in the SESEP among minority older adults, the primary outcomes were only minimally supported and there was even less support for the secondary outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined social network characteristics associated with older adults' intentions to participate and actual participation in social activities at a new senior center. Face-to-face interviews (N = 126) were conducted prior to the opening of a senior center in the participants' community. Measures included social network characteristics, social support, social connectedness, and demographic characteristics. Actual participation was assessed approximately 14 months after the senior center's opening. Smaller proportions of network members living in close proximity, having 10% or more network members be children, higher perceived availability of social support, and lower perceived levels of social connectedness were associated with higher intentions to participate in social activities. Levels of intention did not significantly predict actual participation. Older adults with little social support may not perceive senior centers as places to gain desired support. However, individuals who lack companionship may perceive them as a resource for boosting their social engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elderly women who live alone are considered at greater risk for loneliness, depression, and decreased mobility. This paper examines the influences of late-life friendships and senior center activities on the health and well-being of aging women living alone. Based on the findings from 274 women living alone it was found that the senior center is an excellent environment where new supportive friendships can easily be formed. These friendships and other center activities have positive mental and physical outcomes. Using a comparison group of 171 elderly women living with their spouses, it was discovered that women who lived alone participated in center activities more frequently and, as a result, also created a social network that extended outside of the center environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines how seniors make choices in their use of leisure time and how that information can assist community program planners. The study draws on data gathered through interview and observation of leisure as it occurred naturally among older adults. A desire for successful aging and intergenerational contact emerged from the data as did a description of features wanted in a senior environment. Knowledge of leisure and social pursuits unique to members of their local community can guide a senior center staff as they shape programs to attract and serve a broader spectrum of the retirement population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gambling is a controversial activity that is supported by some but opposed by others for a variety of reasons that are largely ethical, moral, and religious. These issues have been in place a long time and will continue. But gambling has become even more controversial because of the ever-expanding dependence of local and state governments on gambling and gambling-related tax revenue as a source of support for their programs, including senior centers. This dissertation research addresses the politics and policy surrounding the relationship between gambling and senior centers. The results indicate that senior center gambling is on the local agenda of nearly all of the case study communities. A variety of issues relating to senior center gambling was found, including evidence of the negative impact of dependence on gambling-generated revenues for centers and their clientele. These findings have implications for future research and for practice and policy relating to senior center gambling activities. In particular, these findings suggest the need for further investigation of the independent roles of historical, political, and cultural factors in the development of gambling regulations and their respective impacts on the agenda-setting process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES: In August 1997, campylobacteriosis was diagnosed in four older persons in one Connecticut town. We investigated this outbreak to determine its cause and to identify appropriate preventive measures. We also analyzed surveillance data to assess the impact of campylobacteriosis among persons are 65 years and older in Connecticut. DESIGN: The outbreak was investigated through a case-control study and an environmental investigation. Surveillance data were from population-based, active foodborne disease surveillance. SETTING: The outbreak and environmental studies were conducted at a senior center identified as the one eating place common to all four patients. Active surveillance data were from three Connecticut counties during 1996/1997. PARTICIPANTS: We administered a questionnaire to senior center attendees. A case was defined as onset of diarrhea with fever or abdominal cramps during August 20–25 in a person who ate at the senior center during August 18–20. Respondents without illness meeting the case definition who ate at the senior center during August 18–20 were controls. MEASUREMENTS: Case-control study participants were asked about symptoms of gastrointestinal illness and meals and foods eaten at the center. The environmental investigation gathered information about food preparation procedures and facilities. Active surveillance data were analyzed to determine age-specific annual campylobacteriosis incidence rates and proportions of cases involving hospitalization. RESULTS: For the case-control study, there were 66 respondents (16 case patients, 50 controls), representing approximately 52% of August 18–20 attendees. Case patients were more likely than controls to have eaten at a Hawaiian luau at the center. The most strongly implicated food was sweet potatoes. Review of food preparation procedures identified multiple opportunities for cross-contamination from raw meats to other foods. In Connecticut's active... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study presents findings from a sample of eleven senior centers that underwent the transition from direct government operations to nonprofit sponsorship. Data was gathered through focus group interviews with senior center members. Through these interviews, members' reactions to the change in sponsorship were sought. Areas focused on included food and meal service, the physical facility, staffing and programs. Broader themes emerged from the interviews, with significance beyond the contracting of these senior centers. These themes provide insight into the impact of major organizational change through the eyes of the clients of those organizations. Emphasized through a cross-case analysis are issues that organizational sponsors must address when planning major organizational change, in order to reduce stress upon the participants. These include: the need to communicate a compelling reason for the change; developing a positive connection to the new sponsor on the part of the participants; creating concrete improvements in the services that members can point to; and, recognizing the strong bond with prior operational methods by participants with a prior claim to membership. The exploratory nature of this study, and the limited sample focusing on senior centers suggest the need for further inquiry. However, this qualitative study, using grounded theory techniques, provides information for practitioners planning major organizational change. The themes revealed by the participants are compared to themes expressed in the literature for staff resistance to change. The importance of considering participant resistance to change is stressed in planning and implementing a successful change effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported on is the placement of computer in a senior center as a means to obtaining information from elderly persons regarding medication side effects and other physical problems. Participants were enthusiastic about use of the terminals and, in several instances, detection of symptoms led to specific interventive actions on the part of the elderly individuals. The potential of such systems for multipurpose senior centers is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses a study that recommended the enhancement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for old Korean and showed that old people in Busan who availed the senior centers health aids have improved physical function, better physical role and vitality compared to non-users.