Older adult social participation and its relationship with health: Rural-urban differences

In an aging world, there is increased need to identify places and characteristics of places that promote health among older adults. This study examines whether there are rural-urban differences in older adult social participation and its relationship with health. Using the 2003 and 2011 waves of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (n=3006), I find that older adults living in rural counties are less socially active than their counterparts in more-urban counties. I also find that relationships between social participation and health vary by the type of activity and rural-urban context. •Explored rural-urban differences in social participation and health relationships.•These relationships varied by social activity and by rural-urban context.•Those in rural counties were less socially active than their urban counterparts.•In rural counties, religion and the arts were associated with subsequent health.