Policy, Community and Kin: Interventions That Support Rural Healthy Aging

Abstract

This study examines the interventions that enable rural seniors to remain within their homes and communities as they age. Through semi-structured interviews with 40 rural seniors, the findings reveal a number of actions that facilitate rural aging. This study has important implications for a range of stakeholders from policy makers to community leaders by identifying policy, community, and kin-level interventions that support rural healthy aging in place. In identifying interventions that support rural seniors’ needs, this study provides a fundamental basis to better allocate resources, plan programs, and develop policies that reflect the needs of an aging population.