The use of social services by older males

In the fields of social work and social welfare, there have been many studies which have examined the use of social services. Few studies, however, have specifically explored the use of social services by older male clients (age 60 and older). There is little understanding in social work concerning how to best work with male clients. Using the 2012 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey (n = 3042), this study examines how older males are using social services as compared to older females. Findings Specifically using a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model and logit models this study finds that older males, in general, are using fewer social services than older females. Looking at services supported through the Older Americans Act of 1965, it also identifies which services older males have a lower likelihood of using as compared to older females. Furthermore, instead of viewing all older males as a monolithic group, this study shows how intersectionalities in race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affect service use. Applications By having a greater understanding of which services older males are and are not using, nonprofit organizations can start exploring how to expand and improve services for this population. To improve outreach to older males, organizations should first explore if they are using services to begin with.