Does your organization serve rural older adults or want to expand its reach into rural communities? A new report and upcoming webinar can help you fulfill that mission.
As the number of older adults aging in rural communities continues to rise, there is a growing need for rural-relevant solutions that meet the unique needs and build on the unique strengths of these communities.
The Rural Aging Action Network (RAAN) represents one such solution.
The RAAN is a national learning collaborative developed and led by Lutheran Services in America (LSA), one of the nation’s largest national networks of health and human service providers with a mission to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all. Launched in 2022, the RAAN is designed to expand community-based services and supports in rural communities and ensure independence and choice for the older adults who live there.
Leaders of organizations serving rural older adults or seeking to expand their reach into rural communities have two opportunities to learn more about the RAAN and review the lessons learned during its implementation:
- Read a new report about this innovative model for mobilizing whole communities and empowering older adults across rural America.
- Celebrate National Rural Health Day by attending a webinar about the RAAN on Tuesday, November 21, at 2 p.m. EST.
READ THE NEW REPORT
The RAAN report, Rural Aging Action Network: Lessons from an Innovative Model for Mobilizing Whole Communities and Empowering Older Adults Across Rural America, was released in October 2024. The report:
- Describes the RAAN model, how it operates, and the needs it meets in rural communities.
- Outlines the seven steps involved in establishing a RAAN.
- Identifies the benefits that the RAAN offers older adults, family caregivers, and community partners.
- Explores how the RAAN empowers older adults and advances equity and engagement among diverse populations.
The report also includes quantitative and qualitative findings from an evaluation of the RAAN conducted by the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston.
LSA partnered with the LTSS Center to understand the effectiveness, impact, and value of the RAAN model. During the evaluation, LTSS Center researchers interviewed LSA personnel and RAAN program leaders, conducted focus groups and interviews with older adults, family caregivers, and community partners, and analyzed program measurements.
Download a copy of the report.
ATTEND THE WEBINAR ON NOVEMBER 21
Join LTSS Center researchers and LSA program developers for a free webinar on Thursday, November 21, National Rural Health Day. The webinar will begin at 2 p.m. EST. Panelists will describe the lessons and best practices that emerged as the LSA RAAN Collaborative worked to cultivate caring communities that address the unique needs of rural older adults.