Project Director

Scott, Cathy B.

Department Examiner

Shi, Junrong

Department

School of Professional Studies

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

This study examines the perceptions and experiences of rural older adults. More specifically, their community experiences, connections, technology, and transportation. Past literature, when examining these topics, took a quantitative approach utilizing scales. This study takes a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to examine the feelings behind the experiences of the participants. Interviews were conducted with four older rural adults. The four participants were female and were of varying marital statuses. Three of the participants were Caucasian, and one was African American. Four themes were found in this process. It was found that the participants were content with the connections that they had, alluding to the quality of connections outweighing the quantity of connections. The theme of community awareness was evident in how the participants were diligent in connecting to their communities. The fear and education of technology were found as themes in the interviews. It was found that older adults were scared of messing up technology while simultaneously not wanting education on technology. The last theme was concerns of public transportation, meaning that there were needs for public transportation and improvements that needed to be made to existing infrastructure. The themes point to the need to simplify practices when utilizing technology and increase communication regarding public transit.

Acknowledgments

I'd like to thank God for this opportunity to even be here. Without Him, I wouldn't have made it this far. My faith sustained and motivated me to complete this work. To Dr. Cathy Scott, thank you for guiding me in this process. Your knowledge, wisdom, and experience greatly impacted this journey. To Dr. Junrong Shi, your enthusiasm and joy throughout the research process greatly encouraged me. To the entire social work department, thank you for teaching and supporting me. To all of my friends and family, thank you for supporting me in this process and reminding me to smile in the midst of work. There are not enough space or words to say my deep gratitude to each and everyone of you. Thank you for the laughter, joy, and support for the past few years.

IRB Number

25-016

Degree

B. S. W.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Social Work.

Date

5-2025

Subject

Rural conditions--Social aspects; Rural older people--Effect of technological innovations on--United States; Rural older people--United States--Social conditions; Rural transit--United States; Social isolation--United States; Technology and older people

Keyword

transportation; technology; social isolation; connection; rural; older adults

Discipline

Rural Sociology

Document Type

Theses

Extent

ii, 30 leaves

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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