Purpose of the Study: This study examines the characteristics of the "Village" model, an innovative consumer-driven approach that aims to promote aging in place through a combination of member supports, service referrals, and consumer engagement. Design and Methods: Thirty of 42 fully operational Villages completed 2 surveys. One survey examined…

Examined Food Stamp Program participation rates and reasons for nonparticipation in a survey of 2,242 elderly. Uncertainty or lack of knowledge about program eligibility was the most important reason for nonparticipation. Perceived stigma and transportation barriers were also factors. (JAC)

Used semi-structured interviews and participant observation to study the characteristics of 20 Asian and Hawaiian folk healers in Honolulu who are over age 50 and their clients. Presents implications related to health-seeking behavior, health education, and network referrals and support. (JAC)

Purpose: Description of study participants and documentation of the desired diversity in the Prevention Research Centers Healthy Aging Research Network's Workgroup on Promoting Cognitive Health large multisite study designed to examine attitudes about brain health, behaviors associated with its maintenance, and information-receiving preferences…

Examined difficulty of obtaining valid informed consent from participants in research with older persons. Of 470 nursing home residents asked to participate in nonrisk study, 406 agreed. High consent rate was attributed to perception of research significance, presentation format, and absence of risk or pain. (Author/NB)

Compared nursing home use of 3,316 residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) with that of general elderly population. CCRC residents had greater lifetime risk of nursing home entry and repeat entries, while their length of stay per admission was shorter. Findings illustrate nursing home use in insured and managed long-term care…

Examined effects of participating in senior programs in two rural Arkansas counties. Found that programs reached socially active elders at low risk for institutionalization. Participation failed to lower rates of institutionalization or to improve health and life outlook; did not result in higher use rates for other government services. (NRB)

Found that older adults enrolled in Health Maintenance Organization who were higher users of health care services were willing to participate in health promotion programs. People aged 85+ and those with chronic diseases were slightly more reluctant to participate. Close proximity to clinic and family physician support were important correlates of…

Examined constraints to participation in outdoor recreation across the life span. Life span was considered important for determining who will stop or reduce participation in recreation activities. Suggests constraints to participation are both pervasive, and can be dichotomized into limitors and prohibitors. (Author/ABB)

Compared health status and lifestyle characteristics of participants in senior health promotion program with those of nonparticipants from same Health Maintenance Organization enrollee population. Nonparticipation was associated with lower income, less education, and lower involvement in community organizations. Although nonparticipants smoked…

Examined seasonal migration in a sample of northeastern older adults (N=1279). Seasonal migrants were more likely married, retired, and reported higher levels of income and education. Most migrated to destinations in the southeast because of better climate and recreational opportunities. (Author/JAC)

Examines collaborative model of "short-term, long-term care" (Brody, 1987) for older persons returning home after a hospital stay. Program provided short-term case management and nonmedical, supportive services to 265 elderly individuals immediately following discharge from acute-care hospitals. Found client satisfaction was high, costs…

Examined predictors of service usage in a study of 5,700 nonmetropolitan elderly. Results revealed only slightly higher service utilization for urban versus rural residents. Marital status, income, and age were related to service use for both groups. Among the rural aged, lack of transportation was related to service usage. (Author/JAC)

A review of 85 patients who received home care for terminal illness showed that a small proportion of patients use a relatively high volume of both in-patient and home care services. Data suggest that there are two dimensions of service utilization: a medical dimension and a social dimension. (Author/RC)

Studied participation in Elderhostel, an innovative on-campus educational experience for older adults. Investigated the motivations for initial and returning participation among a statewide survey sample of 496 elderhostelers. Results indicated that opportunities for acquiring new knowledge, traveling to new places, and trying new experiences were…