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This study compared samples of rural (n = 107) and urban older adults (n = 126), to explore differences in their attitudes toward mental health and mental health services. The moderating role that personality may play in accounting for rural versus urban differences in these variables was also explored. Each person completed a multidimensional measure of mental health attitudes and a trait measure of personality. Older adults in urban areas expressed more positive attitudes about mental health services than their rural counterparts, even when controlling for the poorer health of rural aged persons. In both groups, older adults who had sought mental health care held more positive views about such help than those who had not. There was an interaction between personality and the rural/urban dichotomy, such that NEO Neuroticism and, to a lesser extent, NEO Openness to Experience impacted mental health attitudes and help-seeking differentially among rural and urban older adults. These findings suggest that public policy makers and mental health providers should consider the interactive roles of culture-environment, personality, and attitudes toward mental health services when designing mental health programs for older adults.

This article summarizes data from the 2008 Symposium Charting the Future for New York State Workforce Training and Education in Aging: The Stakeholder Perspective and the 2009 report Workforce Training and Education: The Challenge for Academic Institutions. This research is the outcome of a collaborative State Society on Aging of New York and New York State Office for the Aging study on New York State's workforce training and education needs. Eight Listening Sessions were held across New York State to obtain input on topics including training, gerontology education, and credentialing and certification. Individual sessions highlighted the needs of urban, rural, and suburban communities. Key themes identified through content analysis included the need for education about aging in agencies serving older adults, education on human development, positive aspects of aging, disabilities, developmental disabilities, and greater opportunities for training and education for service providers. Lack of incentives was identified as a barrier to credentialing or certification. Education about growing older beginning in grade school was recommended. Lack of funding was identified as a barrier that limited support for employee education/training. Disconnects were identified between employers and academic institutions and state government and providers regarding gerontology/geriatric training and education. Consideration to how these themes may be addressed by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education is offered.

This study examines personality factors as predictors of political attitudes and behavior among a sample of rural older Americans. Results indicate that trait variables (extraversion, openness, and neuroticism) and measures of self-concept (locus of control) affect political attitudes and behavior in predictable ways. Suggestions for future research are outlined.

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