The Aging Farm Population and Rural Aging Research

Abstract

This article explores the potential and the promise of convergence between gerontological and occupational health researchers to better understand challenges faced by aging farmers including declining economic viability of family farms, the aging of the population of working farmers, and probability of work-related injury or disability among older farmers. Although the need for research seems obvious, the economic, demographic, and psychosocial dynamics of continued work among aging farmers is under-studied in the occupational health literature and absent in the gerontological literature. Following examination of studies of aging farmers drawn from the occupational health literature, we review studies of rural aging in the gerontological literature. First, we compare varying definitions of rural across federal agencies that impact the ability of researchers using these data to examine variability across rural places. Next, we review studies based upon primary data that include rural residence among their independent variables. We describe different definitions of rural residence across federal agencies with an eye toward their methodological and conceptual impact on the rural aging literature. Then we describe inadequate and incomplete definition and measurement of rural residence across published studies of primary data. Following discussion of the implications of these shortcomings for rural aging research including farmers and others engaged in extractive activities, we discuss the potential for joint work among gerontologists and occupational health researchers to better understand the significance of aging for transition in the agricultural economy and the viability of family farms. We recommend attention to the definition and measurement of rural residence to include variability in rural farm and non-farm populations and refocusing the occupational health literature on aging farmers to include a life course perspective from gerontological theory applied through longitudinal research designs.

Problematising the Suicides of Older Male Farmers: Subjective, Social and Cultural Considerations

“…The literature relating to older male farmers predominantly focuses on retirement transitions and succession (e.g., Kimhi and Lopez ; Thelin and Holmberg ) and health issues (e.g., Mitchell et al . ; Peters et al . ) rather than questions concerning subjective experiences of ageing.…”

Examining access to health insurance and health care along the life course to shed light on interactions between farm households’ social needs, social policy and the farm business

“…Middle‐age farmers appear less likely to seek preventive care than older farmers which may reflect lower rates of chronic conditions, time pressures and/or health insurance limitations (Inwood 2017; Earle‐Richardson et al., 2015; Jacques‐Jouvenot & Laplante 2009). For older farmers, health care needs can be exacerbated by the wear and tear on their body from years of agricultural work and greater risk of farm injuries compared with younger farmers combined with foregoing or delaying care in younger years (Chang et al., 2011; Earle‐Richardson et al., 2015; Evangelakaki et al., 2020; Jacques‐Jouvenot & Laplante 2009; McLaughlin & Sprufera 2011; Mitchell et al., 2008). Meanwhile, eligibility for universal public coverage starting at the age of 65 years in the US eases access to care (Inwood 2017; Dulitz & Schrader 2013).…”

‘For them farming may be the last resort, but for us it is a new hope’: Ageing, youth and farming in India

“…Scholars working across Asian countries have almost reached a consensus that farmers are getting older, accompanied by an absence of succession or generational renewal (Alston & Kent, 2009;Biriwasha, 2012;Geldens, 2007;Hernandez-Peck, 2001;Lizer & Petrea, 2007;Mitchell et al, 2008;Ramsey et al, 2019;Rigg et al, 2016Rigg et al, , 2019White, 2011White, , 2019White, , 2020White, , 2021Xiang et al, 1999;Yudelman & Kealy, 2000). However, based on selected East and South-east Asian countries, like China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand, these studies parrot more or less a similar trend in the Asian context as experienced in developed countries in the past, overlooking India, which represents the vast region of South Asia.…”

“…The greying of agriculture and withdrawal of the young population from farming, which has been a well‐recognized trend in most of the developed countries for the past several decades, is now being observed in many developing countries and has emerged as an issue of major policy concern, raising doubts about the future of farming. Scholars working across Asian countries have almost reached a consensus that farmers are getting older, accompanied by an absence of succession or generational renewal (Alston & Kent, 2009; Biriwasha, 2012; Geldens, 2007; Hernandez‐Peck, 2001; Lizer & Petrea, 2007; Mitchell et al, 2008; Ramsey et al, 2019; Rigg et al, 2016, 2019; White, 2011, 2019, 2020, 2021; Xiang et al, 1999; Yudelman & Kealy, 2000). However, based on selected East and South‐east Asian countries, like China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand, these studies parrot more or less a similar trend in the Asian context as experienced in developed countries in the past, overlooking India, which represents the vast region of South Asia.…”