Next Avenue Article: Ask an Expert: Solutions to Social Isolation in Rural Communities
Next Avenue has published an article, "Ask an Expert: Solutions to Social Isolation in Rural Communities." In the article, Rani E. Snyder, MPA, Vice President, Program at JAHF talks with Carrie Henning-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW, co-director of The University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center.
The article explores the challenges of aging in place for older adults, particularly in rural communities, where one in five older adults resides. Rural older adults face unique obstacles related to social isolation due to limited transportation, connectivity and gathering spaces, which increase the risk of physical and mental health issues.
However, rural areas often exhibit strong community bonds that can mitigate loneliness. Despite challenges, progress is being made to ensure older adults living inn rural areas feel socially connected and less lonely.
In the conversation, Carrie Henning-Smith highlighted recent progress to help rural older adults age well in their communities, including programs such as Project REACH in rural Minnesota, where community members identify a health problem they would like to address, and talked about specific initiatives.
This article is part of JAHF-sponsored special series on Next Avenue, Talking About It: Aging and Mental Health, with expert insight and personal stories on how to challenge stigma and rethink mental health as we age.
Read the article.
Go to the Next Avenue Talking About It: Aging and Mental series.
