9Rural-Urban Differences in the Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults1

This study determined whether differences could be observed in the health status and morale of older rural adults living within an area of rural to urban change and older urban adults. Results showed no differences in the perceived health status of urban and rural elderly, in the number of days sick or hospitalized, physical ability to get around, type of health problems, hearing, or morale. Important differences were found in income, education, employment, marital status, and race. The data caution against the use of broad rural-urban generalizations in addressing the health status of the rural elderly without consideration of metropolitan location and suggest the utility of maximizing urban resources to augment the support networks of outlying elderly. The life circumstances of older rural adults have received increased attention from scholars, policy makers, and service providers during the past decade (Krout, 1983; Select Committee on Aging, 1983a, 1983b; Special Committee on Aging, 1982; Wilkinson, 1982). Despite considerable debate, there has been general consensus that the rural elderly constitute a special group in terms of service delivery. Althoug