| dc.contributor.author | Strommen, Jane M. | |
| dc.description.abstract | This research was designed to better understand the perceptions and experiences of older adults who live in small towns and rural areas. In this qualitative study, 13 individuals were interviewed to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences related to aging, community change, and well-being. Participants ranged in age from 69 to 90. Two articles report the results of this research in Chapters Three and Four. The first article presents the themes that reflect the participants' perceptions of living in changing communities. Data analysis revealed five themes: elders were saddened by losses in their community but were resigned to accept them; diversity among the rural communities affected views about community; dwindling social networks and opportunities left elders feeling isolated and lonely; attachment to place was strong, and commitment to stay on despite concerns for the future. The second article focuses on the daily life experiences, challenges, and strategies of older adults living in rural communities. Four key themes emerged from participants' responses about their lived experiences in communities that have undergone long-term changes: social interactions were limited; sense of social connectedness had weakened; daily life experiences depended on community and individual characteristics; and elders sought to manage challenges. Overall, there was a strong desire to remain in rural areas in spite of challenging conditions, with attachment to place being a factor contributing to the commitment to age in place. Daily experiences and challenges for participants were influenced by both community and individual characteristics. Person-environment relationships served as environmental comfort, maintenance, or distress for rural elders. Participants expressed disappointment in the deteriorating social interactions and social connections in their communities, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Future research should include a closer examination of the environmental characteristics that serve as resources or stressors for rural elders and of the personal competencies that help older adults adapt to changing environments and manage their lives effectively. These studies help identify specific environmental and personal characteristics that either promote or hinder well-being for elderly living in rural communities. | en_US |
| dc.publisher | North Dakota State University | |
| dc.rights | NDSU Policy 190.6.2 | |
| dc.title | Changing Rural Communities: An Exploration of Older Adults' Experiences | en_US |
| dc.type | Dissertation | en_US |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2017-11-29T21:44:48Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2017-11-29T21:44:48Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2013 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10365/26895 | |
| dc.rights.uri | https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf | |
| ndsu.degree | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | en_US |
| ndsu.college | Human Sciences and Education | en_US |
| ndsu.department | Human Development and Family Science | en_US |
| ndsu.program | Human Development and Family Science | en_US |
| ndsu.advisor | Sanders, Gregory F. | |
