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
The trustees’ 2025 annual report, released June 18, cited a law enacted this year as the primary reason why the funds are projected to run out a year earlier than previously projected.
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
Chad Rezniek with the Colorado AgrAbility Project joined us as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week to discuss the growing need for behavioral health support in rural communities.

More Shows
“DocTalk” with host Dr. Dan Thomson will be teaming up with practitioners around the country to tackle issues with your livestock.
This high-yield corn contest showcases real-life Corn Warriors dealing with elements that every farmer knows well. Get an authentic look at what it takes to compete in a high-yield corn contest, and see who will take the title of Corn King.
As the trusted voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry, the National Cattlemen Beef Association strives to share timely, relevant news. NCBA’s “Cattlemen to Cattlemen” is the leading TV show for beef producers to receive cattle industry news, education, and information.
America’s Heartland brings positive, heartfelt stories about American agriculture to viewers in both urban and rural areas.
Hosted by Pam Minick, “The American Rancher” focuses on the people and places that make ranching an American lifestyle. This half-hour magazine format series features livestock producers and their ranches, animals, and ranching practices.
For the latest information on how to take your operation from good to great, tune into Ag PhD. The program includes a wide range of agronomic information from how to maximize your fertilizer program & tiling to stopping those yield-robbing insects and crop diseases and more.
To a Channel Seedsmen, it’s about being you on your farm, helping you assess your conditions, diagnosing your challenges, and then recommending the best solutions to meet your specific needs.
From the company’s beginnings, standards have always been high at Wyffels Hybrids, who partner with RFD-TV to relentlessly serve corn growers pursuing a more productive and profitable crop.
Rural Lifestyle Shows
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.