Social infrastructure and health among mid-life and older adults in rural America: An environmental scan of existing data

Growing evidence shows a relationship between social infrastructure (SI) – the physical places where people gather outside of home and work – and health. However, existing data sources for rigorously investigating this relationship are limited, especially for rural areas. Therefore, we conducted an environmental scan of existing data for furthering research on this topic, with a focus on the rural United States (U.S.). A total of 10 datasets met inclusion criteria. Key information was collated from websites and reviewed by data administrators. We summarize key features of these datasets, including available measures of geography/rurality, SI availability and utilization, and physical, mental and social health. We describe analytic strengths and weaknesses of the available data, which is essential for researchers to be able to assess their data options. While the scan focuses on U.S.-based data, the key points will be applicable more broadly, including a need for more data on availability and use of social infrastructure combined with geographic indicators.