More than 40 residents, nonprofit leaders, volunteers and elected officials gathered in Bandera on May 30 to discuss how rural communities can better serve aging populations.
The event, known as the Rural Roundup, focused on challenges facing older adults in the Texas Hill Country, including transportation, healthcare access, caregiving support, nutrition and social isolation.
Organized by a volunteer steering committee and sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Hill Country Alliance, the gathering marked the ninth Rural Roundup held across the region since the program began four years ago.
Participants heard presentations on age-friendly community planning and discussed ways local governments, nonprofits and community organizations can strengthen services for older residents.
'Everyone is aging every day,' said Rebeca Gibson, regional engagement manager for the Hill Country Alliance. 'Our goal was to bring together neighbors and leaders to highlight successful programs already serving older adults in the Hill Country while identifying additional opportunities to make our communities welcoming for people of all ages.'
Several existing programs were highlighted during the event, including KerrKonnect, a doorto- door transportation service for older adults in Kerr County, and Bandera's transit connection to Wharton's Dock, which organizers said was developed through collaboration among local and regional partners.
The Rural Roundup series is part of Leading in the Rural Hill Country, an initiative that connects community leaders across the region to address common challenges and share solutions.
Organizers said future Rural Roundups will continue to focus on issues affecting rural Hill Country communities while showcasing local efforts to address them.
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