Rural Health Matters: Caring for Aging Parents in Rural Communities

Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses ways families can approach changes in aging loved ones over the holiday season and manage care with compassion and empathy.

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA (RFD-TV) — As families prepare to gather for the holidays, conversations around aging parents and grandparents are becoming increasingly common — especially in rural communities where access to healthcare and support services can be limited.

On this week’s Rural Health Matters, University of Nebraska-Lincoln President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined the program to discuss how families can navigate these changes with care and compassion.

Dr. Gold emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs that parents or grandparents may need more support and encouraged families to approach the topic with empathy and open communication. He also noted that caring for aging loved ones can create emotional and logistical stress, making it essential for families to plan together and seek community resources where possible.

Viewers with questions for Dr. Gold can reach him by email at [email protected]

Related Stories
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens discusses tight farmland inventory, cattle demand, and regional land value trends heading into next year.
USDA Food Safety Under Secretary Dr. Mindy Brashears explains efforts to expand small processor access, modernize inspection, and improve competition.
Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says heat and dehydration are linked to the disease.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Nutrien eKonomics explains how farmers can rebuild low soil potassium, maintain levels above the critical value, and plan fertilizer applications.
Weaker pork demand and rising feed costs could put more pressure on producer margins in 2027.
The proposal would require data centers and other large users to cover infrastructure costs tied to their projects.
Iowa processors are bringing in soybeans by rail as wet weather slows harvest.
U.S. agricultural exports to China have fallen sharply as producers wait for tariff relief.
South Dakota research found grazing can help cover crops generate positive returns sooner.
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order to lower diesel costs, including expanding access to tax-exempt dyed diesel as farmers face high harvest fuel prices.
Improved water levels are allowing more vessels and deeper loads through the Panama Canal.
Winning bids averaged about $1.3 million as demand for 2027 grain rail capacity increased.
Rising Treasury yields could keep farm borrowing costs elevated heading into 2027.
Mid-Atlantic farmers are locking in 2027 fertilizer contracts now, as nitrogen imports and market uncertainty make input-cost planning a key risk-management concern.
Farmers and ranchers can apply through local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices using their state’s fiscal 2027 ranking deadlines.
More Shows
Flipping Farms follows father-daughter farming duo Jeff and Rachel as they purchase and renovate a historic-yet-dilapidated 95-acre farm in rural Pennsylvania. Watch Season One now on RFD-TV as they revitalize the property and bring it back to life.
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Circle Sessions offers a more personal look at country music’s leading artists, featuring intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments filmed in and around the Opry’s circle.
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Griddle Nation is a celebration of griddle-loving home cooks across the nation.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
RFD News coverage of energy and fuel markets, including Brent crude oil, diesel, solar, wind, geothermal, and electrical power, and the latest policy updates on biofuel and ethanol.
Each spring, Rodeo Austin welcomes junior livestock exhibitors and horse show exhibitors to the annual Fair and Rodeo typically held in March. On average more than 9,000 exhibitors compete to enhance their agricultural education. Rodeo Austin is proud to provide these opportunities for youth to succeed.