Retirement Communities In Rural America

This information is presented as a guide to design considerations for architects, engineers, and builders in the field of multi-unit retirement housing in rural areas. Plans are given for one- and two-bedroom units that can be combined into multi-unit housing. In addition, the basic space requirements of the various rooms are shown, so that other designs can be developed to meet the needs of the planners.

This book investigates sociological, demographic and geographic aspects of aging in rural and nonmetropolitan areas of the United States. Population aging is one of the most important trends of the 20th and 21st centuries, and it is occurring worldwide, especially in more developed countries such as the United States. Population aging is more rapid in rural than urban areas of the U.S. In 2010, 15 percent of the nonmetropolitan compared to 12 percent of the metropolitan population were 65 years of age and older. By definition rural communities have smaller sized populations, and more limited healthcare, transportation and other aging-relevant services than do urban areas. It is thus especially important to study and understand aging in rural environments. Rural Aging in 21st Century America contributes evidence-based, policy-relevant information on rural aging in the U.S. A primary objective of the book is to improve understanding of what makes the experience of rural aging different from aging in urban areas and to increase understanding of the aged change the nature of rural places. The book addresses unique features of rural aging across economic, racial/ethnic, migration and other structures and patterns, all with a focus on debunking myths about rural aging and to emphasize opportunities and challenges that rural places and older people experience.

This study explores the role that communications technologies can play in securing rural America's future. It develops several policy strategies and options to encourage economic development. The study was requested by the Joint Economic Committee of Congress and Senators Charles E. Grassley and Orrin G. Hatch. Chapter 1 provides a summary and policy conclusions. Chapter 2, "The Challenge for Rural America," describes unemployment, poverty, and out-migration and advocates upgrading the labor force. Chapter 3, "Rural America and the Changing Communication Infrastructure," proposes Rural Area Networks to deliver communication services to rural areas. Chapter 4, "Rural Development," explains a holistical approach to rural development that accompanies economic development by improving education, health care, and public administration capacities. Chapter 5, "Regulation and Rural Development," recommends that regulators must develop new regulatory approaches for rural areas. Finally, Chapter 6, "The Role of the Federal Government: Orchestrating Cooperation and Change," suggests that the Federal Government make rural development and the use of communications technologies a national priority. The appendix is a field journal that gives narrative impressions of the four states visited during the study: Kentucky, New Mexico, Washington, and Maine. The document contains a list of contributors, a glossary, and an index, as well as numerous figures, charts, tables, and photographs. (KS)