Rural bliss or urban hustle: the secret to flourishing in your golden years

IOL News

26-05-2025

Older adults in rural communities reported stronger relationships with family, neighbours, and local groups. T
Image: Kampus Production/pexels
When we think about ageing well, many of us picture peace, good health, and being surrounded by loved ones.
But where we live, whether in the quiet of rural landscapes or the fast pace of urban cities, can shape how we experience our later years.
A recent study out of Mongolia has uncovered the key factors that help older adults not just survive, but flourish in these different environments.
And while the research is Mongolian, the findings ring deeply true for South Africa, where the contrasts between rural and urban life are just as pronounced.
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What does flourishing mean?
Before diving into the findings, it's important to understand what researchers mean by flourishing. It goes beyond simply being free from illness.
Flourishing refers to a deeper state of well-being that includes having purpose, feeling connected to others, and enjoying good mental and physical health.
In the words of psychologist Martin Seligman, a leading voice in positive psychology, flourishing includes 'positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment'. In short, it's about living a life that feels good and meaningful.
In the study Sociodemographic predictors of flourishing among older adults in rural and urban Mongolia, researchers found that various factors, including education, income, community support, and even diet, played a role in how well people aged.
They surveyed 304 older adults, making sure to reflect both rural and urban demographics fairly.
Though this study was done in Mongolia, South Africans can relate to the rural-urban divide. In many parts of the country, older people in rural areas face limited access to healthcare, income opportunities, and transportation.
Yet, they often report higher levels of emotional well-being, strong community ties, and spiritual engagement.
On the other hand, older adults in urban centres might have better access to doctors, shops, and social grants, but may also deal with isolation, crime, and fast-paced environments that can impact mental health.
According to Statistics South Africa's 2022 General Household Survey, about 9% of South Africans are aged 60 and older, with many continuing to live in rural areas after retirement.
But are they truly flourishing? This is where the study becomes relevant.
Flourishing refers to a deeper state of well-being that includes having purpose, feeling connected to others, and enjoying good mental and physical health.
Image: Gustavo Fring /pexels