Perceptions of Changing Communities among Rural Elders: Impact on Well-Being

ABSTRACT

Rural changes have created concerns about the well-being of older adults aging in place. This study used a basic interpretive approach to examine the attitudes of community change among older adults remaining in rural areas. Participants were recruited from 11 communities in east central North Dakota. This study reports findings from 13 interviews with participants who ranged in age from 69 to 90. Four themes emerged: 1) community loss; 2) social loss and isolation; 3) attachment to place; and 4) commitment to stay. These findings should be considered in developing meaningful social activities to create a sense of belonging among rural elders.

KEYWORDS:

• Aging in place
• community
• isolation
• rural
• wellbeing