Home, not alone: Helping aging seniors in rural America

In North Dakota's small farming towns like Hebron and Glen Ullin, where many retirees reside, a determined spirit prevails despite the challenges of aging in place. Ninety-eight-year-old Mae Buchli, who was featured in 2025, expressed her commitment to staying in her home, stating, "We decided we're not going to move, 'cause we want to stay home."

Across the United States, rural areas are aging at a rate exceeding urban centers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the number of counties with at least 20% of their population aged 65 and older has nearly tripled since 2010. This demographic shift brings increased health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation among older adults.

“

We decided we're not going to move, 'cause we want to stay home.

Lynda Hoerauf, 88, embraces her life in a rural town, finding it a stark contrast to city living but preferring it nonetheless. She notes that Sundays can be particularly difficult due to a lack of activities. Father Gary Benz, who grew up on a nearby farm, actively visits his parishioners, including 96-year-old Viola Weinhart. He finds these visitations have made him more compassionate, drawing from his own parents' experiences with loneliness.

“

It's helped me, because I think it's made me more compassionate, because my parents were in their situation. And so, I know firsthand how lonely life can be.

Despite federal initiatives like President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" pouring $50 billion into rural healthcare access through the Rural Health Transformation Program, gaps remain. Jane Strommen, a gerontology specialist at North Dakota State University Extension, highlights that older adults in challenging circumstances can be overlooked. She emphasizes the inherent goodness of people wanting to help their neighbors and the importance of organizing such efforts.

Strommen directs the "Aging in Community" pilot program, funded by the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. This initiative focuses on practical, simple, and workable solutions for rural communities, leveraging existing neighborly connections to foster support and combat isolation among seniors.

“

People are good, and they want to help their fellow neighbor and community member. Sometimes that just takes a little bit of organizing.