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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Elderly population

Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Pennsylvania
Results of a study to assess the demand for mental health services in rural Pennsylvania, with a focus on youth and the elderly. Identifies challenges these populations face in accessing mental health care to provide options for improving and expanding mental healthcare services for underserved rural Pennsylvanians. Features demographics and statistics on health and mental health needs in rural Pennsylvania, with breakdowns by county.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Author(s): Juliana Svistova, Ahyoung Lee, Christopher Harris, et al.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Pennsylvania
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Assessment of a Community-Based Exercise Program for Older Adults in a Mixed Rural/Urban Catchment Area: Silver Sneakers in Central Pennsylvania
Study assessing the Silver Sneakers program, a federally funded, community-based exercise program for older adults, based on interviews with program staff in central Pennsylvania. Discusses rural/urban access to the program, facilities that offer the programs, and closures due to COVID-19.
Author(s): Eileen Flores, Sage Nakawa, Robbin Moyer, Shirley M. Bluethmann
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 19, 210283
Date: 01/2022
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COVID-19 Vaccinations in Rural America
Provides an overview of trends in COVID-19 vaccination in rural areas through January 2022. Includes charts and maps comparing vaccination rates in metropolitan and nonmetro areas, as well as COVID-19 mortality. Discusses nonmetro vaccination rates among different demographic groups.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Impact of Assistance Programs on Indigenous Ways of Life in 12 Rural Remote Western Alaska Native Communities: Elder Perspectives Shared in Formative Work for the "Got Neqpiaq?" Project
Explores a study evaluating the perception of Alaska Native elders from the Yukon-Kuskokwim area of Alaska on the efficacy and cultural competence of government assistance programs. Discusses and evaluates a number of programs, such as Head Start, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program of Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), among others.
Author(s): Amanda K. Walch, Kathryn A. Ohle, Kathryn R. Koller, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 81(1)
Date: 01/2022
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Weaving Pathways: Talking with Our Elders
Highlights a program aimed at increasing end-of-life planning in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Explores the barriers to AI/AN elders creating healthcare directives, the lessons learn from the initial pilot program, and the program's impact.
Author(s): Mary J. Owen, Peter M. Nalin, Charlie A. Bouverette, et al.
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 22(1)
Date: 01/2022
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California Patient Characteristics by County and Facility
Interactive charts showing patient characteristics in general acute care hospital settings in California in 2022. Offers statewide data as well as comparisons at the county and facility level.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: California Department of Health Care Access and Information
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New Mexico Health & Human Services Data Book, 2022
2022 data book for New Mexico highlighting sociodemographic indicators, substance use, behavioral health, various health conditions, mortality, and more. Includes county profiles outlining a range of demographic, economic, and health data.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Human Services Department
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Rural Transportation Incubator - Age Friendly Arizona
A case study that discusses the work of the Age Friendly Arizona (AFA) network to assess livability for seniors in rural areas and improve transportation through grant funding. Includes goals of the grant program, such as providing transportation for rural, low-income seniors, coordinating with partners, replicating the project in other areas, and reflecting on outcomes of the project to improve livability and rural transportation for seniors.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Virginia Rural Microtransit Project
Case study of a microtransit program in rural Virginia that aims to provide transportation to senior centers that require meal delivery, as well as fixed route and demand-response transportation to aging residents and residents with disabilities. Describes the cost of the project, coordination with community entities, and impacts of COVID-19.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Health Care Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Race and Social Determinants of Health among Adults Age ≥ 58 years in the REGARDS Study
Presents results of a survey of Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study participants about their experiences with SARS-CoV-2 testing and access to care. Presents data on COVID-19 testing, symptoms of COVID-19 without a diagnosis, and changes to access to care by participant characteristics, including rural and urban residence.
Author(s): Emily B. Levitan, Virginia J. Howard, Mary Cushman, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 21
Date: 12/2021
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