Summary
Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and tornadoes, affect both urban and rural areas, but rural regions, especially those with older adults, face more challenges in recovery. Rural hospitals are closing, which makes it harder for people to get needed medical care, and older adults are more likely to have health conditions that require consistent treatment.
Key Facts
- Natural disasters do not discriminate between urban and rural areas.
- Rural areas have more older adults compared to urban areas, with 20% of rural residents being over 65.
- Many rural hospitals have closed, forcing people to travel farther for medical care.
- Older adults often have chronic health issues, which can worsen during disasters when power outages disrupt treatments.
- Over 95% of people aged 60 and over have at least one chronic condition.
- Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed since 2005, with more at risk.
- Traveling distances for healthcare in rural areas have increased by about 20 miles compared to 20 years ago.
- Disasters can interrupt medical treatments like dialysis and insulin supply, which are crucial for chronic conditions.
