Determining the Learning Needs of the Older Adult In A Rural Community: Perceptions of the Service Provider

Abstract

Perception of learning needs of older adults is examined on a community-wide basis. Two hundred seventy-five service providers in a rural location with a high concentration of older people (age 60+) were queried about types of needs, obstacles to learning, and program development. While it was found that instrumental needs are generally recognized among service providers, perception of those needs and associated aspects of learning are based on occupational orientation. Age of the service provider and number of contact hours were not related to perceived needs and problems of learning. The findings are discussed in terms of an expanding context of community involvement in providing educational services to the elderly.