Rural Project Examples: Aging and aging-related services
Other Project Examples
Geezers, Gulpers, and Gardeners
Updated/reviewed September 2022
- Need: Suicide rates among white males age 65 and older have been rising in North Carolina. Challenges include losing friends, illnesses, and the loss of independence – all of which can lead to isolation and depression.
- Intervention: The Chatham County Council on Aging of North Carolina started Geezers, Gulpers, and Gardeners (3G Group) to connect retired men in need of male friends and mutual support.
- Results: Men in similar stages of life and varying backgrounds are forming friendships, engaging in activities, and taking care of their mental health.
SMiles Senior Transportation
Updated/reviewed August 2022
- Need: To provide transportation to rural seniors who are no longer able to drive.
- Intervention: SMiles, a rural senior transportation program, was implemented in Blount County, Tennessee.
- Results: Since 2013, SMiles has provided over 41,500 rides and errands to its rural seniors.
New Horizons Geriatric Counseling Program
Updated/reviewed June 2022
- Need: Improved behavioral health care offerings for a community after losing 5 senior-aged men to suicide.
- Intervention: A Critical Access Hospital in Yoakum, Texas, created a community-based program focusing on inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care for area residents age 50 and older.
- Results: A financially-sustainable behavioral health care delivery model demonstrating positive impacts on physical health conditions, healthcare service utilization, and high patient satisfaction rates.
For examples from other sources, see: