Some considerations of the rural elderly black's underuse of social services

Rural elderly Blacks underuse available servies because: (1) they are not aware of the variety of services; (2) they are not involved in the planning nor implementation of services; (3) they are powerless in the political arena out of which decisions and programs emanate; and (4) they have feelings of alienation which dissuade participation. Culturally sensitive programming is needed to increase the participation of this group. Strategies for addressing these concerns are discussed.