Issues, challenges and opportunities for rural ageing research

Abstract

Sea change and tree change reflect the growing number of older persons living or relocating to rural and regional Australia. Yet the emphasis of studies and policy initiatives have very much had a city based emphasis. We know much less about the needs and context of older people living in or relocating to rural and regional communities. This symposium will discuss challenges and opportunities that rural and regional communities present to older people including access to health services, transport, and social cohesion and capital. It will also discuss models of service delivery that are appropriate to support such communities. The symposium aims to develop an agenda relevant to ageing and living in rural and regional Australia.