ABOUT THIS EPISODE
How can rural communities plan for aging before health needs become crises?
In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Chinasa Imo continues her discussion with Stuart Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp Community Services, and Marcus Riley, founder of Booming Ageing Agency. Together, they examine why chronological age alone cannot determine the care and support a person needs, and how a stage-based approach can help rural communities plan more effectively.
The conversation explores engagement, service integration, broadband access, prevention, social care, public-private partnerships, social impact bonds, shared infrastructure, and investment models that can strengthen rural aging systems while preserving local identity and community connection.
ABOUT THE GUESTS
Stuart Kaplan is the Chief Executive Officer of Selfhelp Community Services, an organization serving older adults and other vulnerable New Yorkers through community-based programs, housing, home care, and social services.
Marcus Riley is the founder of Booming Ageing Agency and works on aging, longevity, and the development of age-inclusive communities and services.
IN THIS CONVERSATION
• Why stages of aging can be more useful than chronological age• How engagement and integration can improve rural aging services• Why broadband, technology, and social connection matter for healthy aging• How public-private partnerships and social impact bonds could finance prevention• Why shared infrastructure must preserve local identity and community trust• How families can plan cooperative care before a crisis
(00:00) – Rethinking Rural Aging and Healthcare Investment
(00:42) – The Seven Stages of Aging
(04:38) – Why Chronological Age Is Not Enough
(06:29) – Aging as a Fluid Journey
(08:21) – Choices, Planning and Preferred Stages
(10:09) – Applying the Framework in Rural Communities
(12:42) – A Whole-of-Aging Policy Approach
(15:38) – Technology, Broadband and Social Connection
(20:06) – Understanding the Flicker Concept
(27:41) – Where Rural Aging Investment Should Begin
(28:47) – Public-Private Partnerships and Social Impact Bonds
(33:02) – Integrating Social Care and Healthcare
(34:38) – Shared Infrastructure with Local Identity
(40:33) – Engagement and Integration as Investment Priorities
(42:07) – Cooperative Care Planning Before a Crisis
(44:20) – Your Aging Advantage and Closing
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Listen to Part 1: https://whataboutruralhealth.transistor.fm/s1/47Your Aging Advantage: The 7 New Stages of Aging: https://www.youragingadvantage.com/Selfhelp Community Services: https://selfhelp.net/Stuart Kaplan: https://selfhelp.net/executive-staff/Booming Ageing Agency: https://www.boomingagency.com.au/Marcus Riley: https://www.marcusriley.co/
WATCH THE EPISODE
READ THE TRANSCRIPT
Click here to view the episode transcript.
ABOUT WHAT ABOUT RURAL HEALTH?™
What About Rural Health?™ podcast explores how healthcare is accessed, financed, governed, and delivered in rural and underserved communities. Hosted by Chinasa U. Imo, a global health policy strategist, researcher, and rural health advocate, the podcast brings together researchers, policymakers, health professionals, community leaders, innovators, and people working within health systems to examine the decisions and structures shaping rural healthcare around the world.
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