What Are The Challenges Of Living In Rural America

In the fiscal year 2010, (O’Shaughnessy, 2012) only about 5.1%, or 3 million people, out of the 57.8 million people age sixty and over, received services funded by the Act. These services included home delivered meals, home care, personal care, or case management services on a regular or intensive basis. About 14%, 8 million people, received other services, such as transportation, congregate meals, or information and assistance on a not so regular basis. A report was made by the Government Accountability Office stating that their findings were that many older people are in need of meals and other supportive services to help remain independent in their own communities, but a large portion of them are not getting the help they are in need of. Some barriers causing this lack of help are lack of funding and lack of knowledge among the older Americans that they may be eligible for benefits and services can be available for them.

Caring for the elderly and disabled has always been a relevant issue among American’s; however, not until recently has it become a significant issue within society. Change has occurred in the past couple decade as the workforce dynamics have transitioned from the family based farm living to the inner city, college educated worker who follows opportunity. Decades ago it was common place to have an aging relative live with the family in a multi-generational home; however, that is no longer a practical option in many cases. Although this transitioning of society has created a new issue and that is providing care to those elderly or disabled members of society who cannot rely on the support of family

Identifying and addressing health disparities for the rural elderly has been a great challenge. Problems of the elderly who live alone in poverty in Baker County are considerable when additional factors such as increased physical limitations, medical needs, and social isolation are taken into account. As a vulnerable population, the rural elderly are affected by their low socioeconomic standing, lower literacy rates, declining health, declines in cognitive functioning and relative lack of available nearby health resources. Seniors often live on a fixed income from pensions or other retirement plans and social security. Additionally, inability to purchase affordable health insurance,

There are many issues found within A Thousand Acres that are unique to rural or country life, but one main issue that stand out is running a farm. My family owns many acres of farm land and grows everything from lima beans, peas, and corn to peanuts depending on the season. It is one of their main sources of income. Many factors play into their success, the demand for certain products, the season, and if the area is facing a drought. Running a farm takes a lot of hard work, and takes time to even see it become successful. It needs to be taken care of daily, and requires everyone to give 100%, because if someone slacks off it will have a negative effect in the future. Even if you work at keeping the farm healthy, there’s no guarantee you will

Residing in Alexandria VA we have a median age of 36 years old (data USA). This statistic postulate that there are not many aging or elderly adults residing in Alexandria VA. According to Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman “The age of 65 has usually been cited as the dividing between middle age and old age” (p., 657). Despite the median age being 36 I was surprised to learn that Alexandria offers a number of programs for individuals in later adulthood. We have Meal on Wheels which is a life-sustaining program that allows seniors who are unable to leave their homes to shop, or have difficulty preparing a meal, to have two healthy meals a day delivered to their homes. We have Senior Law day which informs the Alexandria community about legal

Research has shown projections looking at the racial diversity of America’s aging population and found that the population of non-white people ages 65 and older could increase (Jacobsen, Kent, Lee & Mather, 4). In a study done by the Population Reference Bureau it was predicted that, “ Minorities, which currently account for 35 percent of the U.S. population, are projected to reach 50 percent of the population by around 2042” (Jacobsen et. al, 4). With projected minorities expected to flourish in the future it is important to apprehend that as elderly minorities augment, there could be a corresponding economic decline. Economic decadence in the elderly has substantial influence on when society determines at what age cohorts satisfy societies retirement criteria. In a study done by Henslin it was found that “elderly whites were less likely to be poor than African Americans and Latinos” (386). Poverty in the elderly varies greatly by race, however, it is only one of many factors that influence when people

Race and poverty factor into the aging process in several ways. First, there is a growing number of minority older population in America (158). This growth will continue to rise in the future. As a result, the United States of America will have a diverse older population. Secondly, many older minority groups face disadvantages. These disadvantages are due to discrimination they have faced throughout their life. Furthermore, cultural and economic barriers can keep older minority people from a satisfying old age. Novak also stated, “Minority older people have lower incomes, poorer health, and shorter lives than other older people (160). Also, the people who are classified in the minority groups, experience aging different than the dominant white people do, due to their past. Lastly, the minority group members can teach us other ways of growing old. This means that they will show us how they grow old in their societies and communities. These minority groups have demonstrated strength and stability in an ever changing world, even when they felt prejudice and discrimination from others.

For this assignment social workers had to take three interviews taking from people who live in rural communities. Their backgrounds, educational levels, races, economic statuses, and opinions are as varied as the populace of the Gulf Coast. Native-born, foreign-born, and transients are all represented. Mattie D., Graylon M., and Tammy J. were asked their opinions about living, working and playing in rural areas and communities their passions and positions follow.

An elderly people suffer from numerous challenges. Office for National Statistics analysis shows 600,000 increase between 2001 and 2011 in a number of people living on their own. Almost 60 percent of people aged

In chapter thirteen “Older Rural Adults & Their Families”, the chapter talks about older adults in rural families and their struggles.” For many years, the discourse on rural families in North America had been one of loss.” ( Keating & Stephanie, Pg.309) Unfortunately, for the past few year trends and economic downturns have impacted older adults in this area tremendously. In combination to these trends and economic downturns have led to much concern about older adults aging with

how things work, and that what goes around comes around. This ties directly with the down-to- earth perspective that rural Kansas offers.

Providing eldercare to sick and aging loved ones increases women’s risk of living in poverty later in life, and specifically at retirement age due to the negative health and financial implications including gaps or decreases in employment, losses in retirement income, and the use of savings to cover out-of-pocket costs (Wakabayashi, Donato, 2006). The elderly population in the United States continues to grow at a significant rate, with estimates that approximately 80 million adults will be over the age of sixty-five by the year 2030 (Bookman, Kimbrel, 2011). Approximately seventy-five percent of elderly persons who require assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living receive that support in the form

Your discussion is very informative and you brought up a lot of valuable information about the challenges in rural areas and American Indians. I agree, lack of transportation prevents the people from seeking medical help. The residents in rural areas lack the resources (transportation, healthcare services and workers) to comply in taking care of their health. Poverty and low education level are also widespread, which can make a huge impact on their health. Instead of eating nutritious foods, they might end up buying cheaper foods that are not as healthy. The government should focus in helping the American Indians and minimize the healthcare gaps. According to Harkness and DeMarcus (2016, p. 360), “federal, state, and local public officials

In Hollowing Out the Middle by Carr and Kefalas, the discussion regarding the decline of rural America is brought to the forefront. This decline is not usually discussed due to the inane ability of society to deem it relevant; the decrease in rural communities is causing a devastating effect on the socioeconomic stability of America. Carr and Kefalas move to a small, rural community in eastern Iowa they name Ellis, to evaluate the cause of this decline and attempt to create a solution. Through residency and interaction with the community as well as present and past high school graduates, they evaluate the reasons why youth are leaving rural communities at such a high rate. They determined youth fall into five categories growing up in small towns: stayers, seekers, achievers, boomerangs, and returners. The different categories these individuals fall into are influenced by socioeconomic statuses and are characteristic of segregation, deviance, stereotyping, and social stratification.

There are many reasons in today’s society why there are elderly people living in poverty. There are many cut backs being made that affects everyone although more so than others E.G. an elderly person. If an elderly person doesn’t have any savings and are just relying on benefits then they may start to struggle. A lot of elderly people go into residential care simply because they cannot afford to live alone and provide food and heat for themselves.