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 medica