Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Examination of the quality of life among older adults living in rural cooperative housing

Nolan, Jill Eversole

Abstract Details

1997, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Agricultural and Extension Education.

The problem of providing viable, functional housing options for the older rural adult continues to be an intractable and crucial question which invites much attention and requires serious consideration by the older adults making housing decisions and the communities involved in the planning and policy making. This study used a descriptive qualitative and quantitative research design that examined the quality of life of older adults living in rural cooperative housing. It examined relationships and identified the qualities that existed among a set of variables within a census population of older adults living in rural cooperative housing. The variable that surfaced as the main influencing factor in selecting cooperative housing was "easier maintained home". In addition, but not to the same degree, variables "staying in the community"; "help close by"; "handicapped accessible"; "better financial investment"; and, "voice in the operation" all had a major influence in the housing selection process. Re-occurring themes in the focus group interviews addressing the cooperative housing choice process was the "quest for an easier life", "home-free maintenance", and "cooperative spirit". Several variables showed an effect on the quality of life of the cooperative residents: safety, happiness, life satisfaction, friend contact, ease in maintaining home, activities and independence. This study revealed that 70% of the cooperative residents lived previously in a small town or farming community within 12 miles of the cooperative (82%) for a period of 26 - 40 years (45%). Findings support two theoretical models of community attachment: the linear-development model and the systemic model. Residents reported a better quality of life (66%) when compared to their previous home; 94% would recommend the cooperative housing option; and 98% would move to a cooperative if making the decision again. Identifying the variables that correlate to quality of life helps gerontologists predict the future social and life temperament of the older adult population. Will cooperative living facilitate satisfying retirement years for older adults? When the rural dimension is introduced, will the issue of where to house rural older adults come into play? These questions will be concerns older adults, gerontologists, community developers and policy makers will need to explore in integrating rural older adults to local communities, increasing their quality of life, maintaining social structures, encouraging independence, and preserving "rurality".

Jo M. Jones (Advisor)
Nikki L. Conklin (Committee Member)
N. L. McCaslin (Committee Member)
Marilyn A. Spiegel (Committee Member)
141 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nolan, J. E. (1997). Examination of the quality of life among older adults living in rural cooperative housing [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1248455225

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nolan, Jill. Examination of the quality of life among older adults living in rural cooperative housing. 1997. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1248455225.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nolan, Jill. "Examination of the quality of life among older adults living in rural cooperative housing." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 1997. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1248455225

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)