A model for assessing health needs of the rural elderly: methodology and results

The purpose of this health needs assessment of the rural elderly was to determine the actual conditions, opportunities, activities, and attitudes of older citizens living in a rural area and to assess their specific psychological, social, and medical needs. This was accomplished through a survey developed by an interdisciplinary team and distributed to individuals aged 55 years or older in a rural community of Georgia. Survey responses were used to plan and implement a series of four workshops to improve health education in the rural community surveyed. In addition, referrals to health care and social agencies were initiated where indicated.