Butler, Sandra S.

Civic Engagement Among Older Adults in a Rural Community A Case Study of the Senior Companion Program / [electronic resource] : Sandra S. Butler PhD, MSW &Debra Eckart MA. - pp. 77-98.

This article presents a case study of how an elder-helping-elder volunteer program-the Senior Companion Programpromotes civic engagement among older adults in a rural community. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 individuals in the community to assess the impact of the program for individual elders and the community at large. Three overarching themes emerged from the narrative data: Maintaining Community, Filling Gaps in the Service System, and Government Should Do More for Elders. These themes are described using research participant quotes. The article concludes with study implications for community practitioners including advocacy for program expansion.


Mode of access: Internet.

Civic engagement, volunteering, rural, aging, Senior Companion Program

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