How many rural women are elderly?
In general, rural areas have a higher proportion of elderly residents. Increases in age among rural residents results in a largely female population. This trend is most dramatic in the South and Midwest. Like younger rural women, elderly women are more likely to suffer from higher rates of poverty, higher rates of chronic illness, less education, and lack of access to health care and transportation. In addition, more elderly women live alone as widows or care for a disabled spouse or family member at home.
