Healthy Aging in Rural Towns

A partnership to support rural aging in place

Rural populations are aging faster than urban ones, but have fewer resources for older residents. This makes rural aging in place challenging. Without accommodations for changes in health and mobility, older people may leave their homes for more supportive environments.

From 2018 to 2021, the Healthy Aging in Rural Towns (HeART) project sought to improve rural people’s ability to age in place by strengthening support networks for older adults and their family caregivers.

The project involved three rural Wisconsin communities: Iowa County, Langlade County, and the City of Waupun. Each community convened a coalition of older citizens, service providers, and volunteers.

HeART community coalitions gathered information from older adults and family caregivers to learn what would help. Prominent themes included needing: information about existing resources and services, infrastructure to get around the community, and ways to stay involved in community activities.

The coalitions met monthly. Several members reported that the best outcome was increased awareness of each other’s programs. This awareness helped them inform constituents about local resources.

Two HeART communities are funding efforts to continue their coalitions. The other established a municipal committee that will address aging-in-place objectives.

Following are a few of the strategies implemented by the three HeART community coalitions with many local partners.

Online resource directories

All three HeART community coalitions established resource directories on their county/city websites with local resources for older adults and caregivers:

Pedestrian safety

The HeART community coalitions made intersections safer with pedestrian flags. New senior parking signs enabled people to park closer to businesses and community venues. Strategically placed benches provided places to rest while waiting for a ride or during long walks.

Home safety

The HeART community coalitions arranged for older homeowners to receive free home safety modifications by coordinating with other local groups. Modifications included grab bars, railings, ramps, additional lighting, moving laundry rooms out of basements, adding Knox Boxes, widening doorways, and other safety improvements.

Technology trainings

The HeART community coalitions provided or promoted technology training programs, so older adults and caregivers could stay connected and access information about resources and programs.

New partnerships

As HeART community coalitions carried out strategies, they established partnerships that continue. Partnering organizations include Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), UW Extension, Meals on Wheels, public libraries, community clinics and hospitals, 4-H Tech Changemakers, food pantries, senior centers, and technical colleges, among many others.