As the global population ages at an unprecedented rate, the prevalence of dementia is surging, affecting over 57 million people worldwide. This number is expected to rise to 153 million by 2050, making dementia a critical public health priority. However, research on healthy ageing and dementia prevention has primarily focused on metropolitan areas, often overlooking the distinct needs of rural regions. Rural communities face unique challenges, including geographic remoteness and limited access to healthcare services. These factors contribute to higher rates of health risks, which in turn increases the likelihood of dementia among older adults in rural areas.
This study explores the perspectives of older adults in rural Australia on dementia awareness and prevention. We conducted five focus groups with 24 older adults (aged 65+, 92% female) from small rural towns of Kilkivan and Goomeri, Queensland – both of which have a higher proportion of older adults (31.3% and 29.9%, respectively) compared to the national average of 23%. Discussions centred on the unique barriers and facilitators influencing rural access to healthcare services and dementia-related knowledge.
Thematic analysis revealed that rural older adults strongly preferred ageing in place, emphasising the importance of community support and connections. In addition to identifying barriers to healthcare services, participants expressed challenges in sustaining community-led programs. They also stressed the need to educate younger generations about healthy lifestyle practices to promote dementia awareness and overall wellbeing in later life.
Our study highlights the often-overlooked perspectives and experiences of older adults in rural communities, underscoring the critical need for co-designed initiatives to develop place-based solutions to address the multifaceted challenges they encounter. Addressing these issues is not only vital for improving rural healthcare but also essential for shaping more inclusive and effective dementia care and prevention strategies worldwide.