Older adults living in rural states are at risk of lacking access to the resources they need, according to a new study led by Iowa State University. “Care deserts” – or areas where it’s difficult to access resources such as transportation or medical care – leave older adults without the means to stay healthy, active and independent, the study found. The study, which also involved researchers from the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa and the Iowa Department on Aging, analyzed common characteristics of states with the highest proportion of people over 50. They found that 14 of the 20 oldest states are also rural. Though 93 percent of Iowa residents over age 50 want to stay at home as they age, Iowa ranks second in the nation in the percentage of older adults entering long-term facilities. Additionally, the amount of money needed to support one person in a long-term care facility could pay for home or community-based care for three people. A summary of the study’s results can be found here.