Who hasn’t sat back and dreamed of retirement? Individual aspirations may differ, but all of us share the desire to remain active in our later years, continue to contribute, enjoy friends and family, and maybe cross a few items off the “bucket list.”
Older people in rural America deserve the same high quality of life as their urban counterparts. Unfortunately, an increasing body of evidence reveals that too many are falling behind. Older adults across the countryside and in small towns are more likely to suffer chronic disease, disability and higher mortality rates. Such problems are compounded by the reality that they are less able to access the health care and support programs more readily available in most urban and suburban areas.
Maine, with the highest percentage of rural residents of any state in the nation, must confront such rural aging issues head on. Already, 61 percent of our seniors live outside metropolitan areas, and that proportion will grow with time.
Much of the challenge boils down to geography. Urban dwellers in the U.S. are accustomed to cabs and subways, friends next door and neighborhoods filled with retail, dining and service providers. These conveniences can make all the difference in maintaining one’s independence in their own home for life — the goal 87 percent of Americans set for themselves.
But the same amenities are often lacking in more remote regions.
Consider health care. Regular primary care visits help prevent and manage disease. For rural Mainers, however, their doctor may be a long drive away and a medical center much further. Access issues, including a lack of transportation and shortage of providers or specialists, mean that many seniors don’t get the care they need as often as they should.
The same problems exist for other healthy behaviors. Grocery shopping alone can be difficult for those far from the nearest town center. Opportunities for social interaction, essential for well-being, are equally removed, leaving many older adults home alone with just the television. Problems getting broadband and Wi-Fi can add to social isolation.
Even the economy has been stacked against rural seniors. As young people leave to find jobs, the tax base suffers and aging-related programs are harder and harder to fund. There’s also a lack of caregivers, home fix-it specialists and other providers, paid or volunteer, to meet seniors’ needs.
It’s not all bad news, however.
Rural Maine’s tight-knit social fabric will be our greatest asset in helping the state to gray with grace. As the owner of several health care-oriented small businesses in the state, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges facing rural seniors but also the wide network of friends, family and local organizations stepping in to try to fill the gaps.
Now health experts, business owners, community leaders, families and others are exploring the options for doing more. And the results are encouraging.
For instance, stakeholders nationwide are experimenting with volunteer driver programs and “ride share” partnerships with services like Uber and Lyft to help older Americans get around. Technology experts are considering how to augment in-home health care, safety and social connectedness, and advocates are working to expand broadband access to support these initiatives.
There are efforts underway to boost aging-focused philanthropy, currently just 2 percent of U.S. charitable giving, to better meet growing needs. Still other great people and companies are working to bring more health care providers to the most remote areas.
In many cases, we’re building on what’s already available. For example, one of my companies operates SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults. The benefit comes free with many Medicare Advantage plans, and not only improves the physical health of participants, but also enables vital social connections that improve their quality of life. We’re seeking ways to raise awareness, increase access and encourage more eligible seniors to give SilverSneakers a try.
These examples only scratch the surface, but they highlight the value of collaboration. The answers to the barriers facing the aging in our rural communities will require the participation of members of the health care, business, tech, nonprofit and academic sectors, as well as our policymakers in government. Together, we can transform rural aging from a challenge into an opportunity for older Americans to experience the very best in life.
Donato Tramuto is the CEO of Tivity Health.
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