ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What does it take for rural communities to support people as they grow older?
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Chinasa Imo speaks with Stuart Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp Community Services, and Marcus Riley, founder of Booming Aging Agency, about rural aging, healthcare access, and the importance of investing before needs become crises.
The discussion examines how distance, transportation, workforce shortages, fragmented services, social isolation, and limited infrastructure shape aging in rural communities. The guests also consider how healthcare and social care can work together to help older adults remain connected, supported, and able to age in place.
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 Aging Agency and works on aging, longevity, and the development of age-inclusive communities and services.
IN THIS CONVERSATION
• Why rural aging requires different healthcare and social care strategies• How access barriers affect older adults and family caregivers• Why prevention and proactive investment matter• What aging in place requires beyond clinical care• How communities can design stronger systems for longer lives
(00:00) – Rethinking Rural Aging and Healthcare Investment
(02:21) – Meet Marcus Riley and Stuart Kaplan
(05:11) – How Background and Identity Shape Aging
(06:56) – What Helps People Age Successfully
(09:59) – Rural Aging Access Beyond Distance
(11:44) – Planning Ahead Across the Stages of Aging
(12:32) – Community Strengths, Technology and Visiting Services
(13:52) – Why Aging Is More Than a Medical Issue
(14:51) – Preventive and Flexible Rural Aging Services
(16:09) – Family Caregiving and Cooperative Care Models
(18:01) – Asset Based Community Support in Practice
(18:54) – Investing Before Health Needs Become Crises
(19:48) – Your Aging Advantage and Closing
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Selfhelp Community Services: https://selfhelp.net/Stuart Kaplan: https://selfhelp.net/executive-staff/Booming Aging Agency: https://www.boomingagency.com.au/Marcus Riley: https://www.marcusriley.co/
WATCH THE EPISODE
Click here to watch a video of this 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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