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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Sociology ProgramDepartment of Sociaology and Anthropology
Sociology Program

Sociology Faculty: Linda Havir

Linda Havir

Professor of Sociology

lhavir@stcloudstate.edu

Phone: 320-308-3013

Linda HavirCourses taught:

  • Social Statistics
  • Age and Aging
  • Senior Seminar
  • Research Methods
  • Health and Illness
  • Internships

Research Interests:

Much of my research is focused on topics addressing aging issues. Most recently I have conducted research on the aging of the baby boomers and older people and gambling.

My Sociology graduate research methods students collaborated with Whitney Senior Center to assist in planning for the aging of the baby boomers. We surveyed over 700 people in their 40s and 50s about their retirement plans and ideas about senior centers. In an attempt to meet the needs of diverse elders in the St Cloud area we conducted focus groups with Somali, Latino/a, and Southeast Asian elders. Students presented findings and recommendations to the Minnesota Association of Senior Services annual conference, the Whitney advisory board and St Cloud area officials, and the SCSU Student Research Colloquium.

Much of my research has been applied in nature. For example, I have worked with area agencies on aging to conduct needs assessments, consulted with a school district on measuring outcomes, and worked with the Minnesota Humanities Commission as a trainer and consultant on program planning.

Some publications:

“You bet they’re having fun! Older Americans and casino gambling” with Janet Hope, Journal of Aging Studies, 16: 177-197, 2002.

“Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” research brief with D. Olson, Aging Networks, Minnesota Gerontological Society, November 2000.

“The Promise and Practice of Service-Learning,” with E. Scheel and M. Pryately, in Excellence in Teaching, 6: 33-52, 2000.

But Will They Use It? Social Service Utilization by Rural Elderly, Garland Publishing, Inc., New York, 1995.