Conditions facilitating aging in place in rural communities: The case of smart senior towns in Iowa

The article explores why some small rural communities affected by population aging deal better with this challenge than others, by analyzing the data from the Iowa Small Towns Project (ISTP). The analysis is based on comparisons between 'smart senior' towns and 'vulnerable senior' towns. The former are defined as aged, but provide good quality senior services according to senior citizens, while the latter are also aged but senior services are rated much lower. Drawing from the aging in place and quality of life literatures, the analysis is focused on several domains, including local services, social capital, as well as opportunities for socializing, leisure, and community engagement. It also encompasses comparisons between two main age groups: residents aged 65+ and those under 65. The findings indicate that smart senior towns score higher on most indicators compared with vulnerable ones. However, the assessments of older residents are significantly more positive than those of younger cohorts.

Automated summary

The article examines the reasons why some small rural communities impacted by population aging handle this challenge better than others, by analyzing data from the Iowa Small Towns Project (ISTP). The analysis focuses on comparing 'smart senior' towns, which are aged but provide satisfactory senior services, with 'vulnerable senior' towns, which are also aged but have much lower-rated senior services. Drawing from research on aging in place and quality of life, the analysis looks into various areas, including local services, social capital, as well as opportunities for socializing, leisure, and community engagement. It also compares two main age groups: residents aged 65+ and those under 65. The findings reveal that smart senior towns perform better in most aspects compared to vulnerable ones, but the assessments of older residents are significantly more positive than those of younger cohorts.