SERVICE AWARENESS AND USE AMONG OLDER NORTH-CAROLINIANS

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.