Module 2: Evidence-Based and Promising Healthy Aging Program Models

Rural communities across the country have created programs to promote healthy aging. This toolkit identifies models for implementing healthy aging programs in rural communities. No single model is right for every community. Most rural communities combine different models and implement more than one model at the same time to meet their needs. The most appropriate mix of program models may depend on the rural community's needs, the population of focus, available funding, and community characteristics. This module highlights some of the most important program models that support healthy aging in rural communities.

The program models featured in this module align with the Age-Friendly Health Systems Initiative, which includes "4 Ms" of high-quality care: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. This framework has been applied in rural areas through the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative. A fifth element, Multicomplexity, addresses other critical aspects of age-friendly rural communities.

This toolkit identifies 10 models for implementing a rural healthy aging program:

In this module:

• Physical Activity and Mobility Models
• Mental Health and Well-Being Models
• Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Models
• Housing Models
• Family Caregiver Models
• Transportation Models
• Social Engagement and Community Support Models
• Healthcare Access and Coordination Models
• Medication Management Models
• Age-Friendly Community Models

To learn how to identify and adapt interventions, see Developing a Rural Community Health Program in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.