Connecting Rural Communities

National Rural Health and Aging Hub

This virtual hub is dedicated to helping organizations in rural areas improve access to rural healthcare services and support education that encourages prevention and management of chronic diseases. The hub is designed to serve organizations dedicated to serving older adults, and provide them with a national rural resource center for rural older adults seeking to improve their health and digital literacy.

For organizations like Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), healthcare centers and clinics, state or local governments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics and community-service providers, this virtual hub offers a shared space to access user-friendly guides, tailored state resources, educational materials and up-to-date research and news highlighting broadband strategies, innovative care technologies, and community-based solutions.

Why do we need a solution to health and aging in rural America?

Rural older adults are experiencing increased health challenges, including a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and comorbidities than those in urban areas, as well as structural barriers to healthcare access such as a shortage of services and providers, and limited availability of transportation and technology, with rural Americans living on average 10.5 miles from the nearest hospital.

Drawing on our extensive experience working directly with rural communities across the country, we understand the unique challenges faced by older adults in these areas. Our approach to combat this is through tapping into OATS flagship Senior Planet program’s blend of hybrid and virtual programs, complemented by thoughtfully chosen technology education such as patient portals, remote monitoring devices, and digital care systems. These initiatives support the goals of the Rural Health Transformation Program by offering local healthcare providers, community organizations, and aging services scalable models powered by technology.

Learn more about what state-based resources are available to you:

National Rural Resource Center for Seniors

Organizations can utilize our national rural resource center hosted on the Senior Planet website to share with older adults who they serve. This resource center includes user-friendly guides, Senior Planet classes, and a friendly free hotline to help older adults overcome barriers to care, from navigating patient portals to learning how to prepare for virtual healthcare visits. We can also offer resources and guidance to support organizations in dynamic ways.

Resources and Guidance

Virtual Classes

Tech Support Pathways

For healthcare organizations, government agencies, and community organizations, OATS can offer a range of ready-to-use resources available to organizations including an Internet Basics Guide, guidebook on AI for older adults, on demand learning opportunities, class hosting materials, outreach templates, and more.

Senior Planet’s website offers a wide range of free virtual classes each week, taught live on Zoom by Senior Planet expert trainers.

The national rural resource center offers lectures, demos, workshops and program series on telehealth, healthcare access, protecting yourself online, health apps, and foundational courses. Visit the Rural Health Resource center on Senior Planet.

Senior Planet hotline: 888-713-3495, M-F 9am – 8pm EDT / Sat 9am-2pm EDT.
Virtual office hours. Drop-in hours with Senior Planet trainers and hotline staff.