Resource information
With demographic change, many rural regions in Germany face the challenge to ensure anappropriate provision of basic services, also for the increasing share of immobile populationgroups. Among others, the growing number of old and very old people will increase thedemand for medical care. Although, on the whole health care in Germany is very good, insome rural areas its provision tends to be difficult. This paper presents findings of anempirical study on older people’s mobility options, obstacles that constrain the access tohealth care and related needs. In-depth interviews were conducted with elderly men andwomen living in Holzminden, a district in Lower Saxony already massively affected bydemographic ageing and shrinking. The analysis reveals high car dependency among theelderly; those who cannot drive are highly dependent to be given a ride to all kinds ofactivities, including medical appointments. Satisfaction with family doctors is high but manywill soon retire and might not find a successor. Access to medical specialists and emergencycare turns out to be more complicated. Despite low accessibility, most appreciate theadvantages of rural living and nearly none considers leaving the countryside. Yet, those whodo not have family living close-by they can call on might be forced to leave rural home oncenot able to drive anymore.
