Rural Seniors Stay Strong Through Community | Miami News

Rural America’s aging population is growing fast—counties with 20% or more seniors have nearly tripled since 2010. In places like North Dakota’s Hebron and Glen Ullin, retirees like 98-year-old Mae Buchli and 88-year-old Lynda Hoerauf choose to stay put, finding comfort in familiar surroundings—even if Sundays feel quiet. Local heroes like Father Gary Benz offer spiritual and emotional support, while the “Aging in Community” program, funded by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies and led by Jane Strommen, empowers neighbors to step in. Retired nurse Kyla Sanders organizes events and practical help, helping seniors feel connected and valued. The program’s success is spreading to 12 counties, including remote “frontier” areas, proving that community action can transform isolation into belonging. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1b13879de95f7cdd