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Title: Supporting the Health and Wellbeing of Middle-Aged Adults Living Alone in Rural Counties

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 2020

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Abstract: 13.0% of middle-aged adults (age 35- 64) live alone in rural (non-metropolitan) counties vs. 12.3% in urban counties. Of the 50 counties with the highest percentage of middle-aged adults living alone, 37 are rural. Health care providers in these counties identified several characteristics related to high rates of middle-aged adults living alone, including socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., income, marital status, age distribution), lack of social support, personal choice, housing issues, and health status. Practical challenges for middle-aged adults living alone in rural counties included limited resources, transportation, accessing health care, loneliness, substance use, and difficulty with self-care. While many individuals live alone by choice and thrive in doing so, some people experience unique barriers to health and well-being when living alone. These barriers play out uniquely in rural areas and require tailored interventions to support these individuals.

Url: https://rhrc.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UMN-Practical-Implications-Living-Alone_6.25.20.pdf

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Authors: Henning-Smith, Carrie; Tuttle, Mariana; Hernandez, Ashley; Schroeder, Jonathan; Kozhimannil, Katy

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Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS

Topics: Health, Population Health and Health Systems

Countries: United States