Over the summer, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Joseph Braimah on a research project titled: “Examining the Social Determinants of Older Adults’ Health in St. Lawrence County.” Through this experience, I strengthened my qualitative research skills in interviewing, transcribing, and coding, and deepened my understanding of the barriers that shape rural health inequities and aging in St. Lawrence County.
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people live, work, and age that influence health outcomes. In New York’s largest and predominantly rural St. Lawrence County, older adults (65+) make up approximately 20% of the population. Our goal was to understand these older adults’ experiences and perspectives on the non-medical factors influencing health and well-being in the county, and to identify ways to improve aging in place.
I conducted in-depth interviews with 12 older adults residing in St. Lawrence County, which provided critical insights into their everyday experiences. The towns in which interviewees reside are Hanawa Falls (1), Potsdam (2), Canton (1), Massena (4), Parishville (1), Edwards (1), Madrid (1), and Ogdensburg (1). Despite residing in a multitude of towns, the participants’ unique stories converged into a singular underlying thematic consensus.
The data were systematically analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, revealing key aspects of aging in St. Lawrence County. Overall, we found that older adults’ experiences are shaped by interconnected factors related to health education, transportation, weather, and the availability of healthcare services. These structural factors not only limit access to healthcare but also contribute to reduced social support and weather-related isolation. We conclude that expanding access to resources beyond these limitations is essential for breaking down barriers, particularly for older adults with limited resources and health literacy who need substantial guidance on accessing services. Addressing the care needs of older adults beyond medical treatment is critical to supporting aging populations in St. Lawrence County, NY. This work makes a case for further research on aging in these communities and targeted outreach to isolated individuals who may face greater barriers to care.
This project altered my perspective on health care in rural regions and prepared me to write qualitative research papers based on this study in the future.