Older Adults' Willingness to Use Social Services in Places of Worship

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study explores the willingness of older adults to use social services in places of worship. The literature indicates that more older adults are affiliated with a religious organization than with any other type of organization. The current political climate leans toward providing fewer programs and services for older persons in spite of the growing numbers of older people expected in the next century. This article argues that churches or other places of worship can help to fill the gap in social services that will be needed due to the increase in the numbers of older adults. This study asked the question: Are older persons more willing to use social services in places of worship than in social service agencies? The results suggest that over 70 percent of older adults were more willing to attend social service programs in their places of worship than in social service agencies. Selected demographic data were examined to determine if some characteristics of older persons are predictors of program use. Most of the respondents answered positively regardless of differences in age, educational level, income, or marital status. The implication is that it is worthwhile to implement social service programs in religious organizations.