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Rural
Aging
United States
For Elderly in Rural Areas, Times Are Distinctly Harder (December 9, 2009)
US rural areas aging fast because the young people flee to the cities. Consequently, elders who live in isolated rural areas face many difficulties-- access to public transportation, medical care, internet and even the religious observance. Due to the US recession, many local and state governments have cut back elder programs. Even in places where such programs still exist and older persons can get housekeeping assistance, it is hard to stay alone or with a partner most of the time, if they cannot go to places where they can socialize.
Providing Social Support for Rural Seniors (August 27, 2009)
We already know the issues facing seniors in rural areas of America: lack of transportation and medical attention, etc. But now a new problem is emerging: social interactions. Studies show that old people making the effort to socialize end up taking better care of themselves and have better morale and fewer cases of depression. Older people living in rural, excluded areas have more difficulties socializing due to the general lack of nearby neighbors and friends. This article offers recommendations to help seniors living in rural areas become more social.
Meals on Wheels: One of the Survivors in this Economy (August 6, 2009)
Meals on Wheels, an organization that delivers meals every day to isolated senior citizens living in rural America, seems to be one of the few survivors of the economic recession. It is crucial that Meals on Wheels stay afloat during this volatile time, since otherwise the isolated seniors will have no means of subsistence. Without a job or steady income, they have no way to provide food for themselves. Thankfully, Meals on Wheels, which survives mainly from donations, will be around long enough to ensure that older persons will have a good meal every day for the rest of their lives.
In Rural America: Skepticism of Health Care Reform (August 1, 2009)
Rural Americans are looking on Congress’ health care reform with skepticism. It is their opinion that rather than working only to provide universal health care for all patients, Congress should also focus on supplying doctors to rural areas, as there is a general lack. Young doctors are unlikely to look for work in rural areas of America because the money and the opportunity seem to be found generally in larger urban communities.
New Delivery Service Assists Rural Seniors, Disabled (February 11, 2009)
A non-profit effort called Cart to Cupboard, the latest endeavor by the Isanti County Commission on Aging, brings services to senior people with disabilities in the most rural stretches of Isanti County. Minnesota. Delivered goods can range from groceries, frozen meals, postage, library books, pet supplies, non-prescription drugs and hardware. The initiative has greatly helped elders to continue to live independently.
Doctor Shortage Impacts Rural Areas (February 26, 2008)
In the 80’s and 90’s, the US government limited the enrollment of students in medical schools. Today, the US faces a shortage of surgeons and doctors. The US Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration explains that the shortage is expected to be from 55, 000 to 191, 000 physicians by 2020, and will especially take place in rural areas. This shortage has unfortunately consequences on older persons, who must wait longer to have access to health
care.
Report: Chronic Disease Management in Rural
Areas: Rural and Urban Differences in Managed Medicare and Medicaid
Programs (2004)
This is the 3rd year report of a project reflecting the work of
researchers, clinicians, clinic administrators, and clinic staff examining
chronic disease management efforts in rural areas. This report focuses on
rural chronic disease management efforts with Medicare and Medicaid
populations. Health professionals that serve rural and urban populations
have observed several elements documenting rural discrimination, including
isolated elderly who lack transportation, reduced availability of
ancillary services, variation in medical practice, and patterns of certain
rural physicians.
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