International Rural Aging Project

Preliminary Results-Final Remarks from Conference Chair
June 15, 2000

End

“In summary four key themes emerged from this conference,” said Robert M. D’Alessandri, MD., of West Virginia University:

• "The need for more, and better, research into the local, national and worldwide consequences of aging populations in rural areas.

• The need to establish strategies for illness and accident prevention, to establish a base of good health among our rural elderly.

• The need to educate all health professionals about the special aspects of aging in rural communities.

• The need to abolish inequities in access to health care services, and other services essential to the maintenance of independent lived for the rural elderly.” 

West Virginia University Center on Aging may host the 2nd International Conference on Rural Aging in 2003 or 2004. Dr. D’Alessandri said: “The emphasis then will be on seeing how far we’ve come, and measuring accomplishments in each of the participating countries”.

Please email comments, suggestions for change, proposals for dissemination to ruag2000@hsc.wvu.edu