This article explores the effects of demographic, need, and access characteristics hypothesized
to predict the use of services among 868 noninstitutionalized older adults. The results of a
principal components analysis of the self-reported use of an array of services are used to classify
services as either senior center or community based. Findings indicate that physically active
Black respondents, although they suffer limitations from chronic conditions, are more likely than
Whites to use senior center services. With community-based services, however, the propensity
for Black elders to use services more than do Whites is accounted for by indicators of the need
for and access to services. The conclusions suggest that the dynamics of service use vary
depending upon the type of service, and that older adults use services when there is a need,
regardless of access barriers. There is no suggestion that the more able elderly use services
disproportionately.
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