Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-s2hrs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-05T04:07:19.456Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Senior Centres in Canada and the United States: A Scoping Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 September 2018

Laura Kadowaki  and
Atiya Mahmood
Laura Kadowaki*
Affiliation:
Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University
Atiya Mahmood
Affiliation:
Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University
*
*La correspondance et les demandes de tirés-à-part doivent être adressées à : / Correspondence and requests for offprints should be sent to: Laura Kadowaki, Ph.D. Student Department of Gerontology Simon Fraser University #2800-515 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 <[email protected]>
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Senior centres have been identified as a “focal point” for delivering services to the rapidly growing older adult populations in Canada and the United States. Despite this important role, academic research studying senior centres has been limited. This scoping review identified English-language empirical research studies focusing on senior centres that were published in an academic journal in 2000 or later. A total of 58 studies were identified (n = 51 American and n = 7 Canadian). The majority of the articles focused on themes related to the participation of individuals at senior centres; a smaller number focused on themes related to the senior centre environment. Based on the findings, it is suggested that future research focus on benefits of senior centre programming, with specific focus on needs of baby boomers; key factors related to funding, space, and staffing; and the characteristics and role of senior centres in the Canadian context.

Résumé

Les centres pour personnes âgées ont été identifiés comme des points focaux pour la prestation de services pour la population vieillissante, qui est en forte croissance au Canada et aux États-Unis. Malgré ce rôle important des centres pour personnes âgées, peu de recherches leur ont été consacrées. Cet examen de portée a ciblé les études empiriques en langue anglaise portant sur les centres pour personnes âgées qui ont été publiées dans des revues scientifiques depuis 2000. Un total de 58 études ont été repérées (n = 51 pour les études américaines, n = 7 pour les études canadiennes). La majorité de ces articles était centrée sur des thèmes liés à la participation d’individus dans les centres pour personnes âgées, et quelques études seulement traitaient du milieu associé aux centres pour personnes âgées. Ces résultats suggèrent que les recherches futures devraient cibler les avantages de la programmation des centres pour personnes âgées, avec une attention particulière sur les besoins des baby-boomers, sur les facteurs clés liés au financement, aux espaces et au personnel, ainsi que sur les caractéristiques et les rôles des centres pour personnes âgées dans le contexte canadien.

Keywords

agingsenior centresliterature reviewolder adultsvieillissementcentres pour personnes âgéesrevue de la littératurepersonnes âgées
Type
Article
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 37 , Issue 4 , December 2018 , pp. 420 - 441
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2018 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Aday, R. H., Kehoe, G. C., & Farney, L. A. (2006). Impact of senior center friendships on aging women who live alone. Journal of Women & Aging, 18(1), 57–73.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Alberta Association of Senior Centres. (2014). Alberta senior centres needs & capacities companion report. Retrieved from http://www.seniorscouncil.net/uploads/files/AASCNeedsCapacitiesCompanionReport.pdfGoogle Scholar
Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. doi:10.1080/1364557032000119616CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ashida, S., & Heaney, C. A. (2008). Social networks and participation in social activities at a new senior center: Reaching out to older adults who could benefit the most. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 32(1), 40–58. doi:10.1080/01924780802039261Google Scholar
Bobitt, J., & Schwingel, A. (2016). Evidence-based programs for older adults: A disconnect between U.S. national strategy and local senior center implementation. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 29(1), 3–19.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Casteel, C., Nocera, M., & Runyan, C. W. (2013). Health promotion and physical activity programs in senior centers. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 37(3), 213–223.Google Scholar
Cerino, E., & Leszczynski, J. (2015). Investigating subjective age, level of activity, and depressive symptoms in older adults. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 20(4), 208–216.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cohen, D. A., Sehgal, A., Williamson, S., Marsh, T., Golinelli, D., & McKenzie, T. L. (2009). New recreational facilities for the young and the old in Los Angeles: Policy and programming implications. Journal of Public Health Policy, 30(Suppl 1), S248–S263. doi:10.1057/jphp.2008.45CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cohen-Mansfield, J., Parpura-Gill, A., Campbell-Kotler, M., Vass, J., & Rosenberg, F. (2005). Elderly persons’ preferences for topics of discussion and shared interest groups. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 44(3/4), 39–57.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dattilo, J., Lorek, A., Mogle, J., Sliwinski, M., Freed, S., Frysinger, M., & Schuckers, S. (2015). Perceptions of leisure by older adults who attend senior centers. Leisure Sciences, 37(4), 373–390.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
de Vries, N. M., Ravenberg, C. D., Hobbelen, J. S. M., Olde Rikkert, M. G. M., Staal, J. B., & Nijhuis-van der Sanden, M. W. G. (2012). Effects of physical exercise therapy on mobility, physical functioning, physical activity and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults with impaired mobility, physical disability and/or multi-morbidity: A meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews, 11(2012), 136–149.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Dondzila, C. J., Swartz, A. M., Keenan, K. G., Harley, A. E., Azen, R., & Strath, S. J. (2014). Geospatial relationships between awareness and utilization of community exercise resources and physical activity levels in older adults. Journal of Aging Research, 2014, 1–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Eaton, J., & Salari, S. (2005). Environments for lifelong learning in senior centers. Educational Gerontology, 31(6), 461–480. doi:10.1080/03601270590928189CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Farone, D. W., Fitzpatrick, T. R., & Tran, T. V. (2005). Use of senior centers as a moderator of stress related distress among Latino elders. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 46(1), 65–83.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Felix, H. C., Adams, B., Cornell, C. E., Fausett, J. K., Krukowski, R. A., Love, S. J., … West, D. S. (2014). Barriers and facilitators to senior centers participating in translational research. Research on Aging, 36(1), 22–39. doi:10.1177/0164027512466874CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Fitzpatrick, T., Gitelson, R., Andereck, K., & Mesbur, E. (2005a). Social support factors and health among a senior center population in southern Ontario, Canada. Social Work in Health Care, 40(3), 15–37.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fitzpatrick, T., McCabe, J., Gitelson, R., & Andereck, K. (2005b). Factors that influence perceived social and health benefits of attendance at senior centers. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 30(1), 23–45. doi:10.1300/J016v30n01_02Google Scholar
Fox-Grage, W., & Ujvari, K. (2014). The Older Americans Act. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/public_policy_institute/health/2014/the-older-americans-act-AARP-ppi-health.pdfGoogle Scholar
Fulbright, S. A. (2010). Rates of depression and participation in senior centre activities in community-dwelling older persons. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 17(5), 385–391.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gallant, K., & Hutchinson, S. (2016). Perceptions of power within a membership-based seniors’ community center. Leisure Sciences, 38(4), 357–372. doi:10.1080/01490400.2015.1095660CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gavin, T., & Myers, A. (2003). Characteristics, enrollment, attendance, and dropout patterns of older adults in beginner Tai-Chi and line-dancing programs. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity, 11(1), 123–141.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gitelson, R., Ho, C., Fitzpatrick, T., Case, A., & McCabe, J. (2008). The impact of senior centers on participants in congregate meal programs. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration, 26(3), 136–151.Google Scholar
Giunta, N., Morano, C., Parikh, N. S., Friedman, D., Fahs, M. C., & Gallo, W. T. (2012). Racial and ethnic diversity in senior centers: Comparing participant characteristics in more and less multicultural settings. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 55(6), 467–483.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hand, B. D., Cavanaugh, S., Forbes, W., Govern, J., & Cress, M. E. (2012). Changes in health-related quality of life and functional fitness with exercise training in older adults who attend senior centers. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 36(1), 29–54.Google Scholar
Hickerson, B., Moore, A., Oakleaf, L., Edwards, M., James, P. A., Swanson, J., & Karla, A. (2008). The role of a senior center in promoting physical activity for older adults. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration, 26(1), 22–39.Google Scholar
Higgins, J. (2001). A comprehensive policy analysis of and recommendations for senior center gambling trips. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 12(2), 73–91.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Higgins, J. (2005). Exploring the politics and policy surrounding senior center gambling activities. Journal of Aging Studies, 19(1), 85–107. doi:10.1016/j.jaging.2004.01.009CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hostetler, A. J. (2011). Senior centers in the era of the “Third Age:” Country clubs, community centers, or something else? Journal of Aging Studies, 25(2), 166–176.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jung, Y., Peng, W., Moran, M., Jin, S. A., McLaughlin, M., Cody, M., … Silverstein, M. (2010). Low-income minority seniors’ enrollment in a cybercafe: Psychological barriers to crossing the digital divide. Educational Gerontology, 36(3), 193–212. doi:10.1080/03601270903183313CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kirk, A. B., & Alessi, H. D. (2002). Rural senior service centers: A study of the impact on quality of life issues. Activities, Adaptation and Aging, 26(3), 51–64.Google Scholar
Kirk, A. B., Waldrop, D. P., & Rittner, B. A. (2001). More than a meal: The relationship between social support and quality of life in daytime meal program participants. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 35(1), 3–20.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lai, D. L. (2001). Use of senior center services of the elderly Chinese immigrants. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 35(2), 59–79.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lai, D. L. (2006). Predictors of use of senior centers by elderly Chinese immigrants in Canada. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 15(1/2), 97–121.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Levi, G., & Kadowaki, L. (2016). Our future: Seniors, socialization and health. Vancouver, B.C.: Columbia Institute. Retrieved from http://www.columbiainstitute.ca/news-events/our-future-seniors-socialization-and-healthGoogle Scholar
MaloneBeach, E., & Langeland, K. L. (2011). Boomers’ prospective needs for senior centers and related services: A survey of persons 50–59. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54(1), 116–130. doi:10.1080/01634372.2010.524283CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Marken, D. M. (2005). One step ahead: Preparing the senior center for 2030. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 29(4), 69–84. doi:10.1300/J016v29n04_05Google Scholar
McCaffrey, R. (2008). The lived experience of Haitian older adults’ integration into a senior center in Southeast Florida. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 19(1), 33–39. doi:10.1177/1043659607309139CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
McGovern, J., Brown, D., & Gasparro, V. (2016). Lessons learned from an LGBTQ senior center: A Bronx tale. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 59(7/8), 496–511.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Ministry of Seniors Affairs. (2017). Ontario Supporting 40 New Seniors’ Centres Across the Province [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://news.ontario.ca/oss/en/2017/07/ontario-supporting-40-new-seniors-centres-across-the-province.htmlGoogle Scholar
Miyawaki, C. E. (2013). Generational differences in Japanese Americans’ preferred senior service environments. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 56(5), 388–406.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
National Council on Aging. (2017). Fact Sheet: Senior Centres. Arlington, VA: Author. Retrieved from https://www.ncoa.org/resources/fact-sheet-senior-centers/Google Scholar
Noice, T., Noice, H., & Kramer, F. (2013). Participatory arts for older adults: A review of benefits and challenges. The Gerontologist, 54(5), 741–753.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario. (2010). Building bridges to tomorrow: A user profile of older adults centres in Ontario. Retrieved from http://oacao.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/building_bridges_to_tomorrow_report.pdfGoogle Scholar
O’Neill, C., & Dogra, S. (2016). Different types of sedentary activities and their association with perceived health and wellness among middle-aged and older adults: A cross-sectional analysis. American Journal of Health Promotion: AJHP, 30(5), 314–322. doi:10.1177/0890117116646334CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Pardasani, M. (2004a). Senior centers: Focal points of community-based services for the elderly. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 28(4), 27–44.Google Scholar
Pardasani, M. (2004b). Senior centers: Increasing minority participation through diversification. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 43(2–3), 41–56.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pardasani, M. (2010). Senior centers: Characteristics of participants and nonparticipants. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 34(1), 48–70.Google Scholar
Pardasani, M., & Goldkind, L. (2012). Senior centers and policy advocacy: Changing public perceptions. Educational Gerontology, 38(6), 375–390.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pardasani, M., & Sackman, B. (2014). New York city senior centers: A unique, grassroots, collaborative advocacy effort. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 38(3), 200–219.Google Scholar
Pardasani, M., & Thompson, P. (2012). Senior centers: Innovative and emerging models. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 31(1), 52–77.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peters, M., Godfrey, C., Khalil, H., McInerney, P., Parker, D., & Soares, C. (2015). Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. International Journal of Evidence-based Healthcare, 13(3), 141–146.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rhynes, L., Hayslip, B., Caballero, D., & Ingman, S. (2013). The beneficial effects of senior center attendance on grandparents raising grandchildren. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 11(2), 162–175. doi:10.1080/15350770.2013.782746CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rossow-Kimball, B., & Goodwin, D. L. (2014). Inclusive leisure experiences of older adults with intellectual disabilities at a senior centre. Leisure Studies, 33(3), 322–338. doi:10.1080/02614367.2013.768692CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ruggiano, N. (2012). Intergenerational shared sites: An examination of socio-physical environments and older adults’ behavior. Research on Aging, 34(1), 34–55. doi:10.1177/0164027511414916CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Salari, S., Brown, B., & Eaton, J. (2006). Conflicts, friendship cliques and territorial displays in senior center environments. Journal of Aging Studies, 20(3), 237–252. doi:10.1016/j.jaging.2005.09.004CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Schneider, A., Ralph, N., Olson, C., Flatley, A., & Thorpe, L. (2014). Predictors of senior center use among older adults in New York city public housing. Journal of Urban Health, 91(6), 1033–1047.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sheppard, C. L., Myers, A. M., & Dubé, L. (2016). 2015 profile of the OACAO’s member centres and an examination of evaluation capacity. Retrieved from http://oacao.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2015-MPS_Full-Report_March-31-2016-1-with-New-Cover.pdfGoogle Scholar
Skarupski, K. A., & Pelkowski, J. (2003). Multipurpose senior centers: Opportunities for community health nursing. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 20(2), 119–132.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Strain, L. A. (2001). Senior centres: Who participates? Canadian Journal on Aging, 20(4), 471–491.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Statistics Canada. (2015). Population Projections for Canada (2013–2063), Provinces and Territories (2013–2038). [Catalogue no. 91-520-X]. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-520-x/91-520-x2014001-eng.pdfGoogle Scholar
Statistics Canada. (2017). A Profile of Persons with Disabilities Among Canadians Aged 15 Years or Older, 2012. [Catalogue no. 89-654-X]. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-654-x/89-654-x2015001-eng.htmGoogle Scholar
Swan, J. H., Severance, J., & Turner, K. (2016). Senior centers and nutritional outcomes: A Texas example. Social Work in Public Health, 31(5), 439–452. doi:10.1080/19371918.2015.1137506CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Swan, J. H., Turner, K., Shashidhara, S., & Sanders, D. (2010). Physical activity and senior centers in Texas. Texas Public Health Journal, 62(2), 16–18.Google Scholar
Tang, F., Heo, J. G., & Weissman, M. (2011). Racial differences in social engagement and health status among older women. Social Work in Public Health, 26(1), 110–122. doi:10.1080/10911350902986930CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Taylor-Harris, D., & Zhan, H. J. (2011). The third-age African American seniors: Benefits of participating in senior multipurpose facilities. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54(4), 351–371. doi:10.1080/01634372.2010.539588CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Tobias, K. R., Lama, S. D., Parker, S. J., Henderson, C. R. Jr., Nickerson, A. J., & Reid, M. C. (2014). Meeting the public health challenge of pain in later life: What role can senior centers play? Pain Management Nursing, 15(4), 760–767. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2013.07.013CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Turner, K. (2004). Senior citizens centers: What they offer, who participates, and what they gain. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 43(1), 37–47.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Turner, K. (2006). Weight status and participation in senior center activities. Family & Community Health, 29(4), 279–287.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Turner, M. J., Schmitt, E., & Hubbard-Turner, T. (2016). Weekly physical activity levels of older adults regularly using a fitness facility. Journal of Aging Research, 2016; Article ID 5010285, 6 pp. doi:10.1155/2016/5010285CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
United States Census Bureau. (2015). Projections of the size and composition of the US population: 2014–2060. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/demo/p25-1143.pdfGoogle Scholar
Velez Ortiz, D. (2015). Mental health services structure: The case of older Puerto Ricans in senior centers. Journal of Social Service Research, 41(2), 204–215. doi:10.1080/01488376.2014.977987CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wacker, R., & Roberto, K. A. (2014). Community resources for older adults: Programs and services in an era of change (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.Google Scholar
Walker, J., Bisbee, C., Porter, R., & Flanders, J. (2004). Increasing practitioners’ knowledge of participation among elderly adults in senior center activities. Educational Gerontology, 30(5), 353–366. doi:10.1080/03601270490433549CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wayne, P. M., Walsh, J. N., Taylor-Piliae, R. E., Wells, R. E., Papp, K. V., Donovan, N. J., & Yeh, G. Y. (2014). Effect of tai chi on cognitive performance in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of The American Geriatrics Society, 62(1), 25–39. doi:10.1111/jgs.12611CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Weil, J. (2014). The new neighborhood senior center. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.Google Scholar
Zachary, C., Casteel, C., Nocera, M., & Runyan, C. W. (2012). Barriers to senior centre implementation of falls prevention programmes. Injury Prevention: Journal of The International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention, 18(4), 272–276. doi:10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040204CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed