ABSTRACT
The experience of disability is common in rural areas with as many as four out of five older rural women reporting a disability. Many older women develop health conditions that require specialists and do not have access to appropriate health insurance to pay for these services. Interventions to address poverty among rural older women include financial education that can help women tap into the value of existing assets and understand options for building financial security with fixed income and limited assets. Social isolation occurs for many older women after the death of a spouse, retirement, severe illness, or passing of family and friends. Studies show that communication is important in the healthy aging process. Many older women fear accepting help, as their partner may find out or it may be difficult to leave community to ensure safety. In some cases, older women’s reports of abuse are ignored because of ageism among providers or an existing relationship between provider and perpetrator.
