Episode 2

Starting With Strength: Rethinking Rural Aging

Description

When we talk about growing older in rural communities, the conversation often begins with what's missing—transportation, healthcare, and limited services. Those challenges are real.

But what if we started somewhere else?

In this episode, we visit the Centre of Rural Aging and Health (CORAH) in Middleton, Nova Scotia—one of three innovative CORAH community hubs engaging older adults living in rural communities across the province. Created through a partnership between local communities, the Nova Scotia Community College network, the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, staff, volunteers, and older adults themselves, CORAH is reimagining rural aging by building on the strengths already present in rural communities.

Through conversations with Annapolis Valley Campus CORAH Project Coordinator Jennifer Wesman and some older adults who gather there, we explore a model rooted in belonging, lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and the dynamic contributions of older adults. Rather than asking what older adults need, CORAH begins by asking what they have to offer—and invites them to help shape the programs, relationships, and community around them.

Links & Resources

https://www.nscc.ca/landing/corah/index.asp

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Credits

• Host: Kelly O’Neil, Nova Scotia Centre on Aging
• Guests: Jennifer Wesman, Middleton CORAH Project Coordinator and the good people at CORAH Annapolis Valley Campus
• Keelan Black, recording and production engineer at Mount Saint Vincent University
• Theme music: "Family Tree" by Danny Duberstein. Licensed through NeoSounds and used with permission.
• Bridge Music: X   by[K1]  Pumpupthemind. Under open license through Pixabay.

This podcast series was made possible through a generous grant from the Entente Foundation, supporting innovative projects that improve the lives of older adults.