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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Elderly population

Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2012–2018
Examines nonfatal falls and fall-related injuries among adults 65 and older by age group and demographic characteristics, including urban or rural location. Data is provided by age group for ages 65-74, 75-84, and 85 and older.
Author(s): Briana Moreland, Ramakrishna Kakara, Ankita Henry
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(27), 875-881
Date: 07/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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As the Rural Veteran Population Declined, the Share That Were Age 65 or Older Increased
Combined bar and line chart showing the number of rural veterans from 1992 through 2018 and the percent of rural veterans age 65 and older.
Date: 07/2020
Type: Chart/Graph
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Older and Growing - Percent Change Among the 65 and Older Population: 2010 to 2019
Map showing county-level changes in the population 65 years and older from 2010 to 2019.
Date: 06/2020
Type: Map/Mapping System
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Census Bureau
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The Most Costly Chronic Medical Condition in America: Experts Talk About the Rural Aspects of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Describes the impact of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias in rural areas, the challenges of providing treatment and care, and initiatives underway to address dementia in rural communities.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 06/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Geographic Distribution of Disability Among Older Veterans, United States, 2013–2017
Provides nationally representative data from 2013-2017 on county-level disability prevalence among military veterans older than 64. Individuals were considered disabled if they reported having hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, independent living, or self-care disabilities.
Author(s): Justin McDaniel
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 17
Date: 05/2020
Type: Document
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Characteristics of Counties with the Highest Proportion of the Oldest Old
Policy brief examining the characteristics of communities having the greatest percent of residents ages 85 and older. Discusses documented differences in rural-urban locations in long-term care availability and caregiver supports. Includes a list of counties with the highest proportion of the oldest old, a county-level map with shadings showing proportions of the oldest old, and statistics on county characteristics, with breakdowns by highest-prevalence rural counties, all counties, rural counties, and noncore rural counties.
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, Megan Lahr, Jonathan Schroeder, Cody Tuttle, Samantha Mills
Date: 05/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Older Americans Act: Nutrition Services Program
Provides an overview of the Nutrition Services Program authorized under the Older Americans Act. Describes the administration of the Nutrition Services Program, its funding, service delivery, program participation, and program evaluation. Includes brief rural references throughout.
Date: 05/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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An Older Population Increases Estimated COVID-19 Death Rates in Rural America
Examines the influence of age structure and other factors on the spread of coronavirus in rural areas of the U.S. Compares the incidence of the virus and the estimated mortality rates due to the virus in rural and urban areas.
Author(s): Kenneth M. Johnson
Date: 05/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
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AARP Rural Livability Workshop Report
Report describing rural community characteristics with a focus on rural elders. Discusses rural demographics, community dynamics, public spaces, housing, transportation, economy, healthy living, broadband access, and disaster readiness.
Author(s): Melissa Stanton, Patricia Oh
Date: 04/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: AARP
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Older Americans Act
Official compilation of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended through P.L. 116-131, enacted March 25, 2020. Provides federal funding for programs that support services for older adults. Provides states and localities with the flexibility to decide the allocation of National Family Caregiver Services between the populations served and extends authorization of the RAISE Family Caregiver Act and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act by one additional year. Includes discussion of services to help rural older adults.
Date: 04/2020
Type: Document
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