Today, older Americans are living longer. In 2010, nearly 40 million people age 65 and over lived in the United States. This number represents 13% of the U.S. population, or about one in every eight Americans (Older Americans 2012). It is projected that by the year 2030, there will be about 72.1 million people age 65 and over, more than twice their number in 2000. As of 2007, the elderly make up 7.5 million of the 50 million people living in rural America (2008 Report).
Health in old age is greatly determined by living patterns such as sensory impairments, oral health, obesity, cigarette smoking, air quality, prescription drugs, access to health insurance, access to health care services, and opportunities for access to disease prevention and health promotion throughout the life cycle.
Elderly who live in rural areas face additional challenges. These include lack of transportation such as rides for essential trips, medical appointments, business errands, shopping and senior activities; lack of access to medical care; unavailable cultural and social services; and lack of adequate housing.
Sources
Older Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being;
2008 Report to the Secretary: Rural Health and Human
Service Issues
To locate state programs on aging
Eldercare
Locator
There are more organizations related to Aging in the organizations section.
Last Reviewed: 4/23/2012
