Utilization, Attrition, and the Senior Center

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Abstract
Evaluative studies of senior center utilization traditionally rely on numerical increase of participation as a principle criterion for determining success. This study compares the participation patterns of 54 high- and low-frequency users of an urban senior center for the purpose of identifying actors which influence usage. The chi-square and point biserial correlation coefficient were statistics utilized for the purpose of identifying relationships between 16 variables. The subjects were similar with regard to health, mobility, access to the center, and disengagement potential. Significant relationships were identified between usage and: life space, club affiliation, alternative activities, friends outside the center, living arrangements, and duration of membership. The data suggest that usage appears to be influenced by social losses and gains, which provides a novel perspective of participation and attrition. Therefore, evaluative studies of senior center utilization might consider not only numerical criteria of usage, but the process by which individuals initiate participation and subsequently decrease their involvement.

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