Older men are much less likely to be aware of community services available to them and they are less likely to utilize services generally. This underutilization is affected by the way in which social services are organized and how practitioners function within them. Since there are greater numbers of elderly women and women utilize services more readily, practice tends to be female-centered. It is important that gender-sensitive intervention processes are established that recognize the unique experiences and concerns of older men in order to better serve them. The uniqueness of men\u27s experiences with such issues as loss of a spouse, retirement, caregiving, and victimization warrant particulara ttention by gerontologicalp ractitioners. Male-friendly interventions that take into account traditional male values will foster greater participation and better quality care for older men
