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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Elderly population

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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Social Determinants of Health and 90‐Day Mortality After Hospitalization for Heart Failure in the REGARDS Study
Uses data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study to examine associations between social determinants of health (SDOH) and risk of 90-day mortality after heart failure (HF) hospitalization among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older. Some of the SDOH considered include African American race, social isolation, rural residence, living in a high poverty zip code or Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and more.
Author(s): Madeline R. Sterling, Joanna Bryan Ringel, Laura C. Pinheiro, et al.
Citation: Journal of the American Heart Association, 9(9)
Date: 04/2020
Type: Document
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Rates of Living Alone by Rurality and Age
Identifies the percentage rates of adults living alone and within specific age groups using two classifications of rurality: the U.S. Census Bureau definition for rural and urban, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) definition for metropolitan/non-metropolitan county.
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, Jonathan Schroeder, Mariana S Tuttle
Date: 04/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Getting in Front of COVID-19: Addressing Social Determinants of Health to Save the Lives of Seniors
Presents an overview of Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District's (SoHum Health) efforts to proactively meet the needs of seniors sheltered-in-place due to COVID-19. Describes how SoHum Health has repurposed facilities and staff, and partners with local Humboldt County, California, organizations, to determine the needs of local seniors and make deliveries of groceries and medications. Discusses contingency plans in the event of a COVID-19 surge.
Date: 04/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Population Health in the State of North Dakota
Presents a number of measures of population health in North Dakota. Highlights data on age, poverty, and insurance coverage, among other measures, in rural and urban areas across the state.
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
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Distribution of New Hampshire's Older Population Complicates Health Care Delivery During Coronavirus Epidemic
Describes the spatial distribution of the New Hampshire population aged 65 and older, as it relates to healthcare access in the state during the response to COVID-19.
Author(s): Kenneth M. Johnson
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
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2019 Transportation Trends Mental Health and Transportation
Report explores the role transportation plays in providing access to mental healthcare. Highlights a number of programs in both rural and urban communities, as well as resources pertaining to transportation to support mental health.
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Vital Signs: Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Use — United States, 2018
Reports on colorectal cancer screening among adults 50-75 years of age. Includes data by location of patient residence for metro and nonmetro areas, with breakdowns by age group for 50-64 and 65-75 years of age.
Author(s): Djenaba A. Joseph, Jessica B. King, Nicole F. Dowling, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(10), 253-259
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Evaluation of Senior Community Centers in Rural and Urban Pennsylvania
Report evaluates Pennsylvania's senior community centers in both rural and urban areas. Details some of the services offered by senior community centers and features county level data.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Author(s): Janet Ann Melnick, Morgan Silfies, Heather Shanks-McElroy, Emily McElroy
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Pennsylvania
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Can Age-Friendly Planning Promote Equity in Community Health Across the Rural-Urban Divide in the US?
Utilizes the AARP Livability Index to explore differences in physical and built environment and social environment when comparing rural/urban counties. AARP Livability Index includes data breakdowns such as neighborhood, housing, transportation, and engagement, among others. Discusses additional factors such as income and population that impact community health in rural areas. Explores age-related community planning and its relationship to health challenges and community livability.
Author(s): Xue Zhang, Mildred E. Warner, Elaine Wethington
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1275
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
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