Health and Well‐Being Among Rural Americans: Variations Across the Life Course

Abstract: This study uses data from the 1988 National Survey of Families and Households conducted by the University of Wisconsin to examine spatial variations in physical, mental, and social well‐being among young, middle aged, and elderly American adults. Rural residents of all ages were found to consistently rate their physical health more poorly than nonrural residents. Both young and old rural adults also rated themselves less happy than nonrural residents. However, middle‐aged and elderly rural residents appear better off on the majority of six other indicators of well‐being, and this group reports the highest proportion of adults with no health impairments. Finally, rural residents of all ages possess distinct advantages in terms of several measures of social ties.