During a recent visit to a church shelter in Grants Pass, a small rural town in southern Oregon, we encountered a poignant scene that underscores the difficulties faced by the community. A disabled homeless individual was preparing to take their daily medication, while two others were waiting for their meals. Research indicates that residents over 60 in rural areas often struggle with higher rates of smoking, obesity, and chronic diseases, which set the stage for poorer health outcomes down the line.
For many Americans, the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life to embrace the simplicity of rural living might seem like a dream come true. However, a recent study has raised significant concerns, suggesting that this “simple rural life” could be linked to shorter lifespans.
Researchers from the University of Southern California shared their findings in The Journal of Rural Health, revealing that urban men generally enjoy about 17.5 years of healthy life after reaching 60, whereas their rural counterparts can expect only about 15.7 years. The gap is slightly smaller for women; urban females can anticipate around 19.3 years of healthy life after 60, compared to 18.7 years for those residing in rural areas.
Over the past two decades, the expected healthy lifespan gap between urban and rural populations has more than doubled. Since the late 1990s, urban men have seen an increase of one year in their expected healthy lifespan, while that of rural men has remained stagnant. This growing divide indicates that, while population health overall is improving, rural areas are lagging behind.
The study investigated various factors, including rates of chronic diseases, disabilities, and smoking habits. It found that rural areas have higher rates of smoking, obesity, and chronic conditions among those aged 60 and older, creating a foundation for future health challenges. Jack Chapel, the lead author and a researcher at the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics at USC, pointed out that the higher incidence of chronic diseases within rural populations significantly affects healthy aging.
Educational background and geographic location play crucial roles in these disparities. The South exhibits the largest urban-rural health divide, while the Midwest presents minimal differences. Education is a vital factor; seniors with college degrees tend to report better health outcomes, regardless of their location. However, even among those with similar educational attainment, rural residents still experience lower expected healthy lifespans compared to their urban peers.
Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, a co-author of the study, highlighted that while education is important, factors such as smoking, widespread obesity, and cardiovascular diseases lead to increased illness and mortality rates among rural men.
The research further suggests that initiatives aimed solely at older populations may not sufficiently address the urban-rural health disparities. Bryan Tysinger, a health policy simulation director at the Schaeffer Center, argued that promoting healthier habits from a younger age and enhancing community and economic resources in rural areas are essential steps for fostering improvement.
