Strategies for Sustaining Rural Healthy Aging Programs
There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to sustaining rural healthy aging programs. Continued funding is an important sustainability strategy and may include contributions from partner organizations, funding from grants and contracts, or some combination of the two.
Strategies for sustaining rural healthy aging programs include:
- Developing a sustainability plan, in collaboration with program partners, to describe the long-term vision for the program.
- Seeking funding from federal, state, or local agencies, organizations, and foundations.
- Planning for sustainable program infrastructure, such as physical infrastructure, including meeting space, broadband internet, transportation, and other needed resources.
- Centering older adults as active participants in sustainability planning, ensuring that their knowledge and experiences shape the program's future direction.
- Supporting innovation, such as pursuing intergenerational approaches or expanding training for students who can implement and sustain healthy aging programs.
- Investing in quality program leadership and staffing, workforce training and education, and strategic, multi-sector partnerships.
- Promoting awareness of and access to the program and community engagement to take ownership of the program.
- Communicating the value of the program to participants, partners, policymakers, and others (see Module 7 for dissemination strategies).
See the Rural Community Health Toolkit for more sustainability strategies.
Resources to Learn More
Center for Healthy
Aging
Website
Supports the sustainability of evidence-based health promotion programs in the community and includes
training and technical assistance resources.
Organization: National Council on Aging
Healthy People 2030 and Older Adults
Website
Describes national objectives set within a 10-year target goal focused on improving the health and
quality of life for older adults. Shares data, objectives, and a strategic framework for developing
sustainable healthy aging programs, and includes evidence-based resources to guide effective
interventions.
Organization: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Healthy People
2030 Healthy Aging Custom List Tool
Website
Shares a list of Healthy People 2030 objectives related to helping and supporting healthy aging to track,
reference, and assist with developing strategies for sustainable practices to improve the health of older
adults.
Organization: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Policies That Work: A Blueprint to Improve Aging in
Rural Areas
Video/Multimedia
Explores strategies for implementing age-friendly, multi-sector plans for aging (MPAs) tailored to the
needs of rural areas. Speakers shared firsthand experiences of developing MPAs and valuable resources to
guide local leaders in creating effective, community-wide plans.
Organization: California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports
Date: 12/2024
Toolkit:
State Strategies to Support Older Adults Aging in Place in Rural Areas
Document
Provides examples of strategies and effective state-level programs to enable older adults to remain in
their homes and communities. Serves as a practical guide for developing sustainable, community-based
aging programs tailored to rural populations.
Author(s): Kaye, N. & Long, K.
Organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
Date: 9/2019