Trends in aging, functional status and community living: Rural versus urban comparisons.
Demographic changes in rural communities over the past thirty years have resulted in older people remaining in their communities and people who today remain in the community despite functional limitations. A frequency and bivariate and analytic comparison of the census data (US and Canada), analyses of National Health Interview Survey Data and Health Activity Limitations Survey (Canada) had led to interesting trends both in life span and functional status within the two countries. This study compares and contrasts similarities and differences in morbidity, and functional status between urban and rural settings and between two Westernized countries (US & Canada). Findings suggest that differences in outcomes may be attributed to specific health policy frameworks and strategies. Implications for policy development and future research are outlined.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will: 1. Be able to identify three trends over the past three decades related to aging and functional status. 2. Understand how these issues will affect Medicaid and Medicare policy and funding. 3. Identify three issues for service which will need to be addressed due to these demographic changes
Keywords: Aging, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.