Alan Morgan, chief executive officer of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), discusses how a sense of community and proactive care can help older adults in rural areas live longer, healthier lives.
Alan Morgan, M.P.A.
Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Health Association (NRHA)
How can older adults take a proactive role in managing their health, even with limited access to healthcare resources?
Connectivity and a sense of community are incredibly important. It’s essential that older adults stay connected by making sure family, friends, and community members know how they are doing. That proactive communication helps build a strong support network, which is critical not only for emotional well-being but also for addressing issues like transportation. Data from the United States and abroad shows that a sense of community is a powerful determinant of health.
How do social connections and community engagement affect the health and longevity of older adults?
We often talk about the challenges of aging in rural areas, but we don’t always highlight the inherent strengths. In rural areas, you often have multiple generations living in the same town, which creates built-in family networks that serve as social safety nets. There’s also a strong presence of faith communities and local organizations that provide regular opportunities for engagement, whether it’s adult learning classes or social gatherings. Those interactions aren’t just nice to have; they’re central to successful aging. That’s something rural communities often get right.
How can caregivers and family members better support the physical and mental well-being of aging loved ones?
Communication is absolutely key, especially for family members supporting aging loved ones. In rural areas, we also have to factor in transportation. Helping coordinate or provide transportation can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to accessing healthcare or simply attending community events. Two of the biggest issues are a lack of transportation and limited access to healthcare providers. Family members who can help address those barriers are playing a crucial role in their loved ones’ overall well-being.
What are some signs that an older adult might need more support at home, and how can families approach those conversations with care and respect?
This is a very important question that applies broadly, rural or urban. At NRHA, we’re working with organizations like the John A. Hartford Foundation to train community health workers to serve as bridges between families and healthcare providers. These professionals are often uniquely positioned to recognize early signs that someone may need additional support and can help families navigate those conversations. Sometimes it’s easier to have that input come from a trained, neutral person rather than a family member. Ultimately, the goal is to build a team around the caregiver so they’re not navigating these tough decisions alone.
How can older adults navigate the growing world of digital health tools and telemedicine, especially those who may not be tech-savvy?
This is such a big topic. I like to think of digital health in three buckets: telehealth, wearables, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Telehealth exploded during the pandemic and remains widely used in urban areas, but rural adoption has lagged. Many rural patients still prefer in-person visits, and some providers are hesitant to use virtual platforms. However, telehealth is still vital, especially for access to specialists like behavioral or cardiovascular care.
Wearables are a success story. Studies, like those out of the University of Kentucky, show that older adults are more likely to adopt and stick with wearables when their family members participate with them. It becomes a shared health journey.
AI is the newest frontier. It’s being adopted rapidly by rural clinicians, but its patient-facing applications are still emerging. We’re closely watching how it can be used to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes in rural settings.
What misconceptions do people often have about aging, and how can reframing the aging process lead to healthier outcomes?
One major misconception is that older adults in rural areas are forgotten or left behind. The truth is, many are choosing to age in place in the communities where they feel most connected and supported. We’ve found that the sense of belonging — being close to family, rooted in community, and maintaining autonomy — contributes significantly to positive aging experiences. Reframing aging as a chapter filled with purpose, connection, and continued growth helps shift the narrative away from loss and decline. When people understand that rural living can actually support aging well, it changes the way we think about what older Americans need and deserve.
