Community Supports for Rural Aging in Place and Independent Living – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Jul 26, 2026 - Discusses challenges faced by seniors in North Dakota, where health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation are common. The number of counties in the U.S. where at least 20% of residents are age 65 or older has almost tripled since 2010, according to the USDA.
Source: CBS News
Jul 23, 2026 - Describes the American Heart Association's Rural at Heart Initiative, a cardiovascular health rural community education program aiming to reach older adults in senior centers. Discusses the culture of rural and tribal communities and how the program helps older adults who want to age in place.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Jul 21, 2026 - The Veterans Administration's (VA) Medical Care and VA Health Systems Research (HSR) have issued a call for papers for a special issue on Advancing Age-Friendly Health Systems for Veterans. Articles should focus on research, implementation, or clinical innovation as well as the entirety of the 4Ms (Mobility, Mentation, Medications, and What Matters). Rurality is a topic area of interest. Abstracts are optional and may be submitted by September 15, 2026. Manuscripts may be submitted until December 15, 2026.
Source: VA Health Systems Research Research News
Jul 9, 2026 - Discusses the importance of fall prevention for older adults and particularly for rural older adults who are less likely to have access to emergency services and follow up rehabilitation. Notes that data show high rates of fall-related deaths and increases in emergency service responses to falls in Wisconsin. Notes that fall prevention can help aging rural adults maintain independence longer.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 17, 2026 - Discusses the shortage in affordable long term care services coupled with an aging population both nationally and in Wyoming. Discusses the challenges facing family caregivers and highlights a Wyoming nonprofit that offers nonmedical assistance to older adults aging at home.
Source: WyoFile