Henning-Smith C, Lahr M, Mulcahy J, MacDougall H. Unmet Needs for Help With Mobility Limitations Among Older Adults Aging in Place: The Role of Rurality.
J Aging Health 2023;
35:623-631. [PMID:
36633919 DOI:
10.1177/08982643231151777]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study identifies differences in unmet mobility needs among older adults living in rural versus urban areas.
METHODS
We used data from Round 9 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), limiting our analyses to respondents who had not moved since baseline (average housing tenure of 27 years; n = 3343). We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to detect rural/urban differences in unmet mobility needs, adjusting for socio-demographics, health status, and housing characteristics.
RESULTS
Rural residence was associated with higher odds of any unmet mobility needs for older adults aging in place (adjusted odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.44, p < .05). The relationship between rurality and unmet needs for help with mobility limitations remained significant in fully adjusted models.
DISCUSSION
Rural older adults aging in place have greater unmet needs for help with mobility limitations. This study highlights several important gaps in supporting rural older adults aging in place.
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