Challenges and Initiatives in Rural America’s Aging Population

Small farming towns in North Dakota, such as Hebron and Glen Ullin, have a notable presence of retirees. Residents like 98-year-old Mae Buchli have chosen to remain in their hometowns despite various challenges. She expressed a strong desire to stay: “We decided we’re not going to move, ’cause we want to stay home,” highlighting a sentiment shared by many in rural America.

Rural areas in America are experiencing an accelerated aging process compared to urban regions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that since 2010, the number of counties with at least 20% of residents aged 65 or older has nearly tripled. This demographic shift brings increased health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation, which are prevalent among older adults.

Eighty-eight-year-old Lynda Hoerauf embodies a lifestyle deeply rooted in rural America. She cherishes the contrast between her small community and city life and prefers staying in rural settings despite the solitude she feels, particularly on Sundays.

Father Gary Benz, a local religious leader familiar with rural living, actively reaches out to those unable to attend church. For example, he visits 96-year-old Viola Weinhart to provide companionship and share news, ensuring she stays connected with the community.

In rural counties where one in five adults is over 65, moving to urban areas can be challenging due to significant cost differences. The “Big Beautiful Bill,” initiated under President Trump, includes a $50 billion allocation for the Rural Health Transformation Program. This initiative aims to improve medical access for seniors, though there remain gaps not entirely related to healthcare.

Jane Strommen, a gerontology specialist at North Dakota State University Extension, emphasizes community-based support for rural seniors. The Aging in Community program, funded by the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, encourages neighbors to look out for each other, acting as a neighborhood watch for seniors.

Kyla Sanders, a retired nurse from Montana, actively participates in the Aging in Community program. She supports elderly residents in rural North Dakota, performing tasks like fixing watches and filing taxes, and hosts social events. Her involvement over five years has increased the quality of life for many seniors who feel more connected and confident living at home.

The program is expanding to cover 12 counties in North Dakota, some so sparsely populated they are classified as ‘frontier.’ These efforts highlight the importance of community ties and simple gestures in enhancing the lives of aging individuals in rural settings.

Additional information on relevant programs includes:

• Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
• Jane Strommen, gerontology specialist, North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D.
• Aging in Community Program