Frontiers Past Sixty in Hamilton, Ohio: A Study of Hamilton's Center for Older People. Adventures in Learning. Bulletin, 1961, No. 13. OE-13016

The Office of Education is requested frequently to supply information about education and community organization for aging. This publication adds to the literature in the growing field of professional and community concern. The publication may have its major use as a handbook for community and school leaders who wish specific information about programs that have been tried in real community situations. The focus of this case history is on the "action" and experimental demonstration approach which the community of Hamilton, Ohio, made to the problems and challenges of their Senior Citizens. Hamilton's experience has been recorded with several audiences in mind: (1) Experienced community workers in the field of aging who can benefit from study of programs in action; (2) Scholars who seek to keep their research and teaching in this field close to community realities; (3) Older people whose impulses and social insights impel them to continue learning and whose talents may be enlisted in general community and social improvement; and (4) School and community leaders whose decisions on policy and administrative matters affect vitally the effectiveness of community programs for older persons. This study of a center for older persons reveals three aspects of a coordinated and interrelated program; namely, education, recreation, and community service. For those who are seeking to emphasize the educational aspects of a program for older adults, there are many features described in this study that should be of interest to those who are planning learning activities in senior citizen groups. Others who may wish to stress the social and recreational needs of older people will find many ideas for programs that put emphasis on health and recreational activities. Still other community leaders and groups desiring to work out community service programs in which older persons can participate should find many worthwhile ideas for a wide variety of individual and group-initiated programs. The study reveals how the educational, recreational, and community service features of a total program are interrelated and developed through association of older persons in the pleasant environs of a "center." This study aims at two central purposes. First, the record sets forth a chronology of decisions and evolving circumstances in order to throw light on the question, "How did the program of the Hamilton Senior Citizen Center come into being?" The purpose in establishing the record is to make it possible for Hamilton citizens to share their experience with others in the many American communities that are evolving creative innovations in response to the challenges of aging. The second major purpose of this study is to bring into focus the program features of the Hamilton Senior Citizen Center. The detailed analysis of the specific elements in: (a) Recreation, (b) Learning, and (c) Community service provides a body of suggestions and tested ideas which communities may find useful in stimulating thought and action in behalf of Senior Citizens. [Best copy available has been provided.]