Reinventing the Traditional Senior Center in Rural Areas to Attract a New Generation of Individuals

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the services and programs needed and/or desired by the baby boomer generation that will prompt them to participate in senior center activities. Eighty-five participants in eight focus groups responded to the questions. The results showed that the current senior centers are not meeting baby boomers’ expectations and/or needs in order to successfully age in their own homes and communities. Therefore, if changes are not made to the current senior center to attract baby boomers, it will no longer be considered a major service provider due to low participation.

KEYWORDS:

• Baby boomers
• focus groups
• congregate meal program

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division [Grant number 190-09824].