Overview
Idealized images of a rural milieu, including deeply entrenched informal social supports, are often evoked by thoughts of growing older in a rural place. However, aging rural populations, population out-migration, and economic restructuring have complicated the ability of older people to age in place, including the suitability of rural housing.
Led by Dr. Elizabeth Russell, the Rural Aging Research Program supports research on aging in place in rural communities, including housing alternatives for older rural adults. Projects include academic research as well as community-based research in collaboration with organizations such as the Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield.
Selected Outputs
Aging in place or stuck in place? Housing insecurity and aging well in rural Canada
Author: Benjamin Darkwa, M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies Candidate (2026)
Completed as a part of the Professional Practice in Knowledge Mobilization course taught by Dr. Elizabeth Russell.
[ Access the article ]
Rural places and aging: Between aging in place and stuck in place
Author: Elizabeth Russell (2024)
In M. Cutchin and G.D. Rowles (Eds.) Handbook on aging and place (pp. 277-292). Edward Elgar.
[ Publisher website ]
Housing alternatives for older Canadians: Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield
Creator: Elizabeth Russell (2022)
[ View on Youtube ]
Press article: 'Trent researchers donate award prize to Abbeyfield Lakefield' in the Lakefield Herald, by Terri Williams.
A community-based approach to retirement living development projects
Authors: Kara Rutherford, Amy Smith, Laurel Pirrie, and Natalie Jennings, Elizabeth Russell, and John Marris (2018).
Community report, Trent University
[ Access the report ]
