Unmet Needs for Help With Mobility Limitations Among Older Adults Aging in Place: The Role of Rurality

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.