RAAN in Action
RAAN in Action
Explore our new video series and learn more about the people working together to improve the lives of older adults in rural America.
VIDEO GALLERY
Coming Together: Aging in Rural America
By expanding our circle of partners in aging, our community-led approach addresses gaps in care, innovating new ways to empower older adults to lead their best lives. Find out how we’re making a difference in places like Armour, South Dakota.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Bill’s Story
When we come together, we address the needs of rural older adults like Bill, connecting them to food, health resources and social engagement. Get to know Bill, a 96-year-old widower and longtime member of the community in South Dakota.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Tanya’s Story
Local staff like Tanya understand the unique joys and challenges of rural living and can amplify the voices of older adults in the community. Returning home to South Dakota after a career in foreign service took her around the world, Tanya brings her skills to her own community, working to address gaps in care for older adults.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Priscilla’s Story
As a trucker, Priscilla traveled to 49 of the 50 states. She fell in love with rural South Dakota and decided to settle there when she retired. In collaboration with local partners, the Rural Aging Action Network helps make it possible for older adults like Priscilla to age in the community of their choice.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Herman & Jeannette’s Story
“Do what you can, where you can, how you can.” Get to know Herman and Jeannette Fink and see how they serve their own peers and neighbors in their community.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Mobilizing Communities to Empower Older Adults
The Rural Aging Action Network recognizes that older adults are vital members of the community. Through strong partnerships with local organizations and caregivers, RAAN mobilizes whole communities to empower older adults, connecting them to vital services and support. This collaborative approach helps older adults age in place with independence and dignity.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Marian’s Story
The Rural Aging Action Network is led by people like Marian Jordan who reflect the lived experience of their communities. As a RAAN coordinator, Marian guides older adults through the health and social complexities of aging in rural communities. From transportation to housing assistance, RAAN leaders are addressing social isolation and ensuring older adults remain vital members of their communities.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Susan’s Story
Family caregivers are essential in supporting aging parents and older adults in rural communities, while also balancing children, work and other responsibilities. The Rural Aging Action Network ensures caregivers like Susan Smith are supported so more older adults can live with dignity in the community of their choice.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
The Sirleafs’ Story
The Rural Aging Action Network mobilizes whole communities by supporting community partners like the Rev. S. T. Sirleaf and Tonya Sirleaf at One Family Christian Center International. With support from the Sirleafs and other key partners, the Rural Aging Action Network works to address gaps in care and supports older New Americans by connecting them to essential services, including job coaching and language interpretation services, among others, to ensure older adults can contribute and thrive in their communities.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Christina and Manee’s Story
Older adults play a significant role in communities, sharing wisdom and strengthening the community itself. The Rural Aging Action Network empowers caregiver volunteers like Christina to provide necessary support for older adults, especially in rural communities, allowing them to age independently and equally contribute to their community.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Nowah and Zoe’s Story
Aging independently at home is an especially complex challenge for New Americans in rural communities. Through the Rural Aging Action Network, older adults like Nowah and Zoe can access essential services like housing, employment, and transportation, helping them stay connected to providers and actively engaged in their communities. Most importantly, RAAN allows older adults to feel valued and empowered to age with dignity and autonomy.
LIVED VOICES: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Stories of Independence, Community Connections and Vibrant Lives
Meet the faces of Wilton, North Dakota. We’re championing the voices of older adults in rural American communities like Wilton to ensure they are able to lead independent and vibrant lives.
