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Well-being profiles of small-town elderly in differing rural contexts

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Abstract

This study provides data on variations in subjective well-being among older residents of small towns in varying rural contexts. Standard structured interview data on five composite dimensions of well-being (mental health, activity, contact with friends/relatives, security) were gathered on 989 elderly residents across 18 small towns stratified by population (100–500; 501–1500; 1501–2500) and quantitatively-defined county rurality (high-medium-low). Similarities and differences in well-being among the nine town size/rurality categories resulting from this stratification are discussed, along with implications for rural gerontological research and intervention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kansas State University, 66506, Manhattan, KS

    Rick J. Scheidt Ph.D. (Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Child Development) & Paul G. Windley D.Arch. (Professor in the Department of Architecture)

Authors
  1. Rick J. Scheidt Ph.D.
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  2. Paul G. Windley D.Arch.
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Additional information

This research was supported by NIMH Grant MH-31095-02.

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Scheidt, R.J., Windley, P.G. Well-being profiles of small-town elderly in differing rural contexts. Community Ment Health J 18, 257–267 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754540

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754540

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