Social Networks and Elders' Health

Priorities for Action in a Rural Older Adults Study

Averill, Jennifer B. PhD, RN

Author Information

College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

Correspondence: Jennifer B. Averill, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, MSC09 5350, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 ([email protected]).

This study was supported by the NIH/NINR (1 R15 NR08217-01A2).

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Family & Community Health 35(4):p 358-372, October/December 2012. | DOI: 10.1097/FCH.0b013e318266686e

Abstract

This article reports the findings from a recent study of older adults in the rural southwestern United States and discusses practice and research implications. The aim of the study was to analyze health disparities and strengths in the contexts of rurality, aging, a depressed economy, and limited health resources. Identified themes needing action included sustained access to prescriptions, transportation solutions for older adults in isolated communities, inadequate access to care, poor infrastructure and coordination of services, scarce assisted living and in-home care for frail older adults, and barriers related to culture, language, and economics.

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved

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