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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Elderly population

Statewide Age-Friendly Initiatives: An Environmental Scan
Policy brief examining statewide programs that support the health, independence, and well-being of elders as they age in place. Categorizes 33 initiatives in 22 states, distinguishing those that include specific rural focus, which are examined in greater detail in the additional policy brief.
Additional links: Examples of Statewide Age-Friendly Initiatives
Author(s): Jill Tanem, Carrie Henning-Smith, Megan Lahr
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Dementia and Cognitive Decline in Older Adulthood: Are Agricultural Workers at Greater Risk?
Results of a study examining whether long-term exposure to agricultural work is associated with dementia prevalence and the rate of cognitive change in older adulthood. Features demographics and statistics on various types of cognitive function.
Author(s): Kanika Arora, Lili Xu, Divya Bhagianadh
Citation: The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 76(8), 1629–1643
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
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NADTC Best Practices Compendium
Highlights innovative programs, best practices, and lessons learned by 16 programs funded by the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) between 2017-2019. Identifies common themes across the programs that serve as key considerations for communities that want to expand accessible transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities. Includes a section focused on rural transportation programs.
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Changes in Hospitalizations and In-Hospital Deaths for Adults Aged 65 Years and Older in the Initial Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic (April-September 2020), 13 States
Presents data from 13 states on the number of all-cause hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths among adults aged 65 years old and over between April–September 2020 and compares this data to statistics from the same quarter in 2016-2019. Presents data by patient characteristics, including urban or rural status. Includes data on the percent of hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 in 2020.
Author(s): Lawrence D. Reid, Pamela L. Owens
Date: 09/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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"You're Going to Have to Think a Little Bit Different" Barriers and Facilitators to Using mHealth to Increase Physical Activity among Older, Rural Cancer Survivors
Study examining the potential of mobile health (mHealth) technology, specifically wearable activity trackers (WATs), to increase physical activity among rural older cancer survivors based on focus group interviews with 21 cancer survivors in New Mexico. Discusses motivation and barriers to using WATs related to peer emotional and informational support, social support, and engaging marginalized individuals.
Author(s): Tamar Ginossar, Heidi Rishel Brakey, Andrew L. Sussman, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 8929
Date: 08/2021
Type: Document
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Flood Risk is Higher in Rural and Disadvantaged Communities
Examines how flood risk varies based on rural or urban location and socioeconomic or demographic composition, using data from the 48 lower U.S. states. Features statistics on average percentage of properties at risk of flooding, with breakdowns by urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated areas. Offers recommendations for preparing evacuation and resource distribution materials and creating partnerships with local service agencies, especially in areas with large populations of older adults.
Author(s): Danielle Rhubart, Yue Sun
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Penn State Population Research Institute
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2020 Transportation Trends
Identifies trends and issues affecting the availability of accessible transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. Includes examples of programs underway in rural areas to address transportation needs.
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Rural/Urban Differences in Discharge from Rehabilitation in Older Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury
Compares rural and urban rates of discharge from skilled nursing facilities for 61,021 older adults with traumatic brain injury between 2011 and 2015 to determine quality of care. Discusses factors predicting successful discharge and reasons for not successfully discharging between rural and urban patients.
Author(s): Marie C. Anderson, Emily Evans, Mark R. Zonfrillo, Kali S. Thomas
Citation: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69(6), 1601-1608
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Nevada State Plan for Aging, 2021-2024
Outlines Nevada's plan for serving older adults and people with disabilities. Discusses rural services and challenges throughout, including access, transportation, and community engagement.
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
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COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Behaviors among Rural and Urban Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Summer, 2020
Study examining trends in hand washing, face touching, mask wearing, limited gatherings, and other COVID-19 risk mitigation behaviors that compares urban and rural populations over age 65. Discusses rates of specific mitigation behaviors and breaks down rural population demographics.
Author(s): Janice C. Probst, Elizabeth L. Crouch, Jan M. Eberth
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(3), 473-478
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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