Overcoming challenges to active aging in rural and small town America

Small towns and rural areas face significant challenges in building healthy communities for active aging. As compared with metropolitan areas, these communities typically have fewer transportation resources, relatively greater distances to traverse, aging or minimal pedestrian infrastructure, and in some instances, environmental hazards from agricultural or industrial applications. For older adults with chronic disease or compromised functional status, such environmental challenges are especially problematic and can lead to restricted mobility, social isolation and loss of meaningful activities. To address the challenges successfully requires somewhat different approaches than those employed in urban settings. This presentation will include a conceptual approach to building healthy communities for active aging in non-metropolitan areas. It will draw upon lessons learned from the work of the Healthy Aging Research Network, the UNC Highway Safety Research Center, the UNC Center for Aging and Health and numerous community partners. Data from pilot studies in Western North Carolina will be shared to illustrate problems and potential solutions. Key topics include framing the issues, choosing appropriate assessment methods and tools, and promoting community collaboration. The presentation will emphasize strategies for environmental and policy change in nonmetropolitan communities and include lessons learned from exemplary initiatives.