Volume
49
Issue
2
DOI
10.34068/joe.49.02.07
Abstract
The Mental Healthiness and Aging Initiative was created to develop resources addressing the mental health needs of older adults, particularly those in rural areas. Community members participated in focus groups discussing mental health and aging. Themes that emerged included the desire to maintain independence, the importance of emotional health and intergenerational activities, the value of sharing one's life history, remaining active and engaged, being respected, and educating younger community members about aging. The results are discussed in terms of ecological applications. Extension agents should find this data useful for developing programs and materials to promote mental healthiness in their communities
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Recommended Citation
Kruger, T., Murray, D., & Zanjani, F. (2011). Rural Community Members' Perspectives on Mental Health and Aging: An Ecological Approach to Interpreting and Applying Focus Group Results. The Journal of Extension, 49(2), Article 7. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.49.02.07
