How extreme weather affects the health of older adults in rural areas
Official title: Environmental Extremes and the Health of the Rural Elderly
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10740958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how big disasters like floods and hurricanes affect the health of older people living in the countryside, especially compared to younger folks and those in cities, to find out what challenges they face and how we can better support them during tough times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | September 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $143,646 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG080252-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals living in rural areas who may be affected by extreme environmental events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those who are not elderly may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the physical and mental health effects of extreme environmental events, such as floods and hurricanes, on elderly individuals living in rural areas. It aims to understand how these impacts differ from those experienced by younger populations and urban residents. By analyzing data from various sources, including health surveys and disaster declarations, the study seeks to identify the vulnerabilities faced by rural seniors, particularly in terms of healthcare access and social support. The findings could help inform strategies to better protect this population during emergencies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and emergency response strategies for elderly individuals in rural communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that extreme environmental events significantly impact vulnerable populations, suggesting that this study's focus on rural elderly health is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hunter, Lori M. — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Hunter, Lori M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.