Characterization of Late-Life Hoarding Symptomology Among Rural Adults.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Environmental Psychology

Background:

• Hoarding research predominantly focuses on urban environments, limiting understanding of rural hoarding patterns.
• Late-life hoarding requires specific investigation within diverse community settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize late-life hoarding in rural populations.
• To identify differences between rural and urban hoarding profiles.

Main Methods:

• Survey data from community presentations (N=97).
• Baseline assessment data from geriatric hoarding treatment studies (N=55).

Main Results:

• 33% of the community sample exceeded the hoarding screening cutoff.
• Rural older adults with hoarding disorder were more likely to live with others (65%) and be married (49%) compared to urban samples.
• Living alone correlated with higher clutter but not subjective hoarding symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Rurality may reduce clutter in primary home areas but doesn't alter total clutter volume or distress levels.
• Rural hoarding profiles differ significantly from urban ones, impacting clinical case conceptualization.