CREATING AND SUSTAINING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIPS TO REACH RURAL OLDER ADULTS: THE STAY STRONG STAY HEALTHY PROGRAM
2024

Creating and Sustaining Extension Partnerships to Reach Rural Older Adults

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Miller Kristin, Weitzel Kelsey, Meinertz Naomi

Primary Institution: University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States

Hypothesis

Increased participation in social activities can lead to increased social connections among rural-dwelling older adults.

Conclusion

The Stay Strong Stay Healthy program successfully improves psychosocial and physical health outcomes for rural and urban older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Rural older adults often experience greater social isolation due to out-migration of family members.
  • Increased participation in social activities can lead to better health outcomes for older adults.
  • The Stay Strong Stay Healthy program is a successful multi-state Extension program.

Takeaway

Older adults living in rural areas often feel lonely, but programs like Stay Strong Stay Healthy help them make friends and stay healthy.

Methodology

The program uses community-based research principles to connect older adults with social activities through Extension programs.

Limitations

The implementation and collaborative efforts contributing to the success of these programs are not well documented in empirical literature.

Participant Demographics

Rural-dwelling older adults, including less ambulatory individuals.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1701

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