Older Adults Living in Rural Settings Are Less Likely to Receive Health and Nutrition Services

A study in the International Journal of Aging and Human Development found older adults in rural settings are less likely than those living closer to urban centers to access available services in health, nutrition, and transportation, reports News-Medical . The authors determined that older adults — defined as anyone over 60 years old — living in a fully rural environment are 2.5 times less likely to receive any type of service compared to those living in a mostly rural setting. Such services include meal delivery programs, farmer's market voucher aid, in-home care, health management programs, and transportation. "Where people lived influenced what services they got more than their needs or disabilities," noted Washington State University Professor Raven Weaver. Moreover, this situation could be worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. "The lack of direct personal contact, not receiving health checkups . . . are increasing with COVID and social distancing," Weaver said. "This study shows where the biggest holes are in the systems aimed at helping older adults age in place."