Mixed methods study of social engagement in assisted living communities: challenges and implications for serving older men

The purpose of the study was to explore unique experiences and challenges for older men in assisted living (AL) communities. Although evidence suggests that men may socialize differently from women, little is known about how social engagement is experienced by men in long-term care settings. A sequential mixed methods design was used in that a quantitative study (N = 82; men = 21) was followed by qualitative in-depth interviews (N = 29; men = 9). Participants were selected from eight AL communities in a Southern state. Results indicate that men's social worlds are limited and AL practices do not favor men's preferences. Practice implications in AL communities are discussed. KEYWORDS Assisted living, social engagement, older men, mixed methods Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52:767-783, 2009 Copyright [C] Taylor & Francis Group, LLC ISSN: 0163-4372 print/1540-4048 online DOI: 10.1080/01634370903285541