Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Elderly population

Adoption of a Tai Chi Intervention, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, for Fall Prevention by Rural Faith-Based Organizations, 2013-2014
Results of a study of fall-prevention exercises geared toward adults ages 65 or above, conducted by 19 trained instructors through faith-based organizations in 7 rural West Virginia counties.
Author(s): Dina L. Jones, Rachael W. Starcher, Jennifer L. Eicher, Sara Wilcox
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 13
Date: 07/2016
Type: Document
view details
Rural-Urban Differences in Chronic Disease and Drug Utilization in Older Oregonians
Provides secondary analysis of 3 longitudinal brain-aging studies of adults 85 years of age or older in Oregon. Compares the results of a study with a rural cohort and 2 studies with urban cohorts to identify the disease burden and medication usage of each elderly population. Analysis uses Modified Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (MCIRS) to measure chronic illness, and medication usage is estimated based on the mean number of total self-reported prescription and non-prescription medications per cohort.
Author(s): Leah M. Goeres, Allison Gille, Jon P. Furuno, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 32(3), 269-279
Date: 06/2016
Type: Document
view details
Looking Ahead: Rural-Urban Differences in Anticipated Need for Aging-Related Assistance
Findings brief using information collected through the 2011-2012 National Health Interview Survey, describing the degree to which rural and urban adults ages 40-64 anticipate that they may need help later in life, and where they expect they will find it. Features statistics with breakdowns by race or ethnicity, urban or rural location, insurance status, overall health quality, amount of anticipated need for assistance, and reported activity limitations.
Additional links: Fact Sheet
Author(s): Janice C. Probst, Karen M. Jones
Date: 06/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Minority Health Research Center (formerly the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center)
view details
Are Rural Older Adults Benefiting from Increased State Spending on Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services?
Discusses the availability and use of home and community-based services (HCBS) by rural and urban elderly receiving Medicaid funding for long-term services and supports (LTSS) using national Medicaid Analytical Extract claims data.
Author(s): Andrew F. Coburn, Eileen Griffin, Deborah Thayer, Zachariah T. Croll, Erika C. Ziller
Date: 06/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Maine Rural Health Research Center
view details
Challenges and Barriers to Health Care and Overall Health in Older Residents of Alaska: Evidence from a National Survey
Analyzes healthcare access and preventative health behaviors of the growing Alaskan senior population. Compares health status, healthcare coverage, and length of time between check-ups to seniors in the continental U.S. Describes the barriers of geographic isolation, climate, and poverty impacting Alaskan older adults.
Author(s): Julia D. Foutz, Steven A. Cohen, Sarah K. Cook
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 75(1)
Date: 04/2016
Type: Document
view details
Access to Care and Diabetes Management among Older American Indians with Type 2 Diabetes
Highlights a study on the role of healthcare access in diabetes management among American Indians over 50 with type 2 diabetes. Breaks down data by socio-demographic information, travel time to source of care, and availability of transportation.
Author(s): Emily J. Nicklett, Adam Omidpanah, Ron Whitener, Barbara V. Howard, Spero M. Manson
Citation: Journal of Aging and Health, 29(2), 206-221
Date: 03/2016
Type: Document
view details
Association of Long-term PM2.5 Exposure with Mortality Using Different Air Pollution Exposure Models: Impacts in Rural and Urban California
Examines rural versus urban comparison of long-term particulate matter exposure and resulting health effects among elderly populations in California. Includes demographic, mortality, and particulate matter concentration data for rural and urban California, as well as the state as a whole.
Author(s): Cynthia A. Garcia, Poh-Sin Yap, Hye-Youn Park, Barbara L. Weller
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 26(2), 145-157
Date: 03/2016
Type: Document
view details
Independence, Technology, and Connection in Older Age
Explores a wide range of technologies that promote continued independence and productivity for older Americans, including telehealth services for people in rural and underserved areas. Addresses lack of access to broadband or Internet connection in many rural areas.
Date: 03/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
view details
Sobriety and Alcohol Use Among Rural Alaska Native Elders
Reports findings from descriptive and correlational data gathered during a needs assessment regarding alcohol use among Inupiat and Yup'ik Eskimo elders residing in remote, rural villages in the Northwest region of Alaska.
Author(s): Monica C. Skewes, Jordan P. Lewis
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 75(1), 30476
Date: 02/2016
Type: Document
view details
Health Literacy Mediates the Relationship between Age and Health Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure
Discusses a study on the role of health literacy in the relationship between increasing age and negative health outcomes in rural adults with heart failure (HF). Divides participants into younger group (under 65) and an older group (65 and older). Analyzes data by educational attainment, income, and race, as well as several other factors.
Author(s): Jia-Rong Wu, Debra K. Moser, Darren A. DeWalt, Mary Kay Rayens, Kathleen Dracup
Citation: Circulation: Heart Failure, 9(1), 2250
Date: 01/2016
Type: Document
view details