This paper provides a commentary on the challenges and opportunities for people ageing in rural and coastal places.
The experiences of ageing differ depending on the context in which we live. It's also true that the challenges and opportunities to support people to age well vary between rural and urban areas.
This paper draws on some already published data to provide insights across employment, housing, health and communities. It aims to raise awareness of issues among decision-makers and to identify some of the priorities for action if people approaching later life in rural areas are to be supported to enjoy later life.
Rural life can have huge appeal and is often thought of as idyllic in many ways. For example, it is seen to offer more opportunities to stay active and has a greater sense of community spirit. Yet as this report shows, for many of those in and approaching later life, the reality of rural life can be very different.
