Rural seniors may experience a greater degree of isolation, especially seniors who have lost their spouse. Many seniors no longer have children or grandchildren living in the area. Receiving mental health services may be viewed by seniors as having a great deal of stigma. Seniors should be used as helpers. It may be seen as desirable to help others, but not to ask for help for yourself.
Many rural areas have an increasingly diverse population.
The planning and development of the informal care network needs to reflect the make up of the community. Training for informal helpers needs to include cultural sensitivity training. Not only are rural people exhibiting symptoms of stress, the rural infrastructures are also exhibiting these same symptoms. Some communities themselves appear to be suffering from depression and lack of self-esteem. The whole sense of community for which Iowa is famous is becoming more fragmented.