2.1. Participants

Participants were purposely selected and placed into one of eight distinct focus groups using a theoretical sampling technique. Because the two original focus groups of the independent-living African American (A-A) participants were much smaller than the other groups, we added two more groups—one additional group for A-A independent-living women, and one additional group for A-A independent-living men. In addition, the experiences of individuals who live on their own were expected to differ markedly from those of individuals who require daily assistance in their activities. Thus, four focus groups were planned with independent-living seniors, and four with assisted-living seniors living in a long-term care facility. Separate focus groups were arranged according to race, and male and female focus groups were also held independently. In the end, the eight focus groups were as follows: independent-living A-A men (2 groups), independent-living European-American (E-A) men, independent-living A-A women (2 groups), independent-living E-A women, assisted-living A-A men, assisted-living E-A men, assisted-living A-A women, and assisted-living E-A women. These eight groups, along with two doubled groups, yielded a total of ten focus groups.

To recruit focus group participants, we contacted area senior centers, churches, nursing homes, and assisted living homes. A member of each participating organization then advertised the study to members. In total, participants were recruited from one senior center (n = 37), one church group (n = 11), and two nursing home/long-term care facilities (n = 17). In all, 65 seniors participated in the ten focus groups, averaging approximately six to seven individuals per group. The study included 33 female participants (50.8% of the sample) and 32 male participants (49.2%). The average focus group participant age was 75 years old (M = 74.95; SD = 9.98). Regarding marital status, the majority of participants was still married (34 participants, 52.3%), with 17 seniors widowed (26.2%), nine seniors single (13.8%), and five seniors divorced (7.7%). The average senior had three children (M = 3.28; SD = 2.27). Educational attainment was varied, with 14 seniors (22%) having some high school, 20 (31.7%) with a high school diploma, 13 (22.2%) having some college, and 15 (23.8%) with a graduate degree or some post-graduate education. Focus group members received a $25 gift card for their participation in the study.