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An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topics tackled within the issue, including rural ageing, information and communication technology (ICT), and decision-making of older people.

Objectives: To identify the core elements of interventions and models that facilitate age‐friendly care for older adults within rural Australian health systems, and assess the extent to which these align with core elements of the Institute for Health Improvement's (IHI) Age‐Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Model. Methods: Peer‐reviewed journal articles examining core elements of Australian rural geriatric care models were collected and analysed using an integrative review methodology. Results: Identified models and interventions addressed all four core elements of the IHI model—what matters, medications, mobility and mentation. There was more evidence relating to mobility and mentation, with lesser evidence relating to medications and what matters. A series of core elements not aligned with the model were also identified. Conclusion: The IHI 4Ms Model appears to be applicable in the rural Australian context. More high‐quality, systematic evidence is needed to investigate the core elements of age‐friendly care across diverse rural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates how rural community‐dwelling older adults' views on what is important in maintaining health and wellbeing align with the eight age‐friendly domains proposed by the World Health Organisation, and which domains are most salient. Design: Data were gathered through open‐ended response postcards distributed using a whole‐of‐community approach. Setting: The Rural City of Wangaratta, a rural local government area located in north‐east Victoria. Participants: 262 postcards were returned by rural older adults, carers and family members. Main outcome measure: Thematic analysis of open‐ended responses to the following question: what is important to you as you grow older (or your loved one), in terms of keeping healthy and well? Results: Even though all eight age‐friendly domains were identified as important for health and wellbeing, community and health services was the most frequently discussed domain, followed by transportation and access to outdoor spaces and buildings. However, individual‐level factors, inclusive of personal activities, attitudes and capacities, were also identified as important to rural older adults. Conclusion: Findings support the use of the World Health Organization's age‐friendly city framework in assessing what is important to rural older adults' health and wellbeing, with the community and health services domain most salient. However, individual‐level activities, attitudes and capacities must also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Drawing from a larger study that identified the supports and services that facilitate wellness among older people from rural communities, this study examined the specific contribution made by information and communication technology ( ICT). Methods Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 60 older adults from six Australian rural areas. A preliminary thematic analysis was conducted, followed by a higher-order inductive analysis. Results Information and communication technology use was discussed in terms of individual enrichment, and in terms of enabling connections between the individual and their social networks, community and wider service environments. Conclusion Information and communication technologies may facilitate wellness for rural older people by compensating for geographical and social isolation. In the changing world of health and aged care service delivery, ICTs will be more important than ever for rural older people in building their capacity to access the services, socialisation and support that they need, regardless of location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To explore how local governance enables access to resources, creates opportunities and increases capability for older people in rural communities to experience social inclusion. Method Twenty-six semi-structured interviews were undertaken with community stakeholders across two rural communities in north-east Victoria. Stakeholders were drawn from local government, and a range of community groups and organisations, as identified in a scoping study. Results Through the provision of community resources (e.g. physical and human infrastructure, organisational partnerships), local services and supports offer social and productive environments for participation. They also build individual resources (e.g. health, skills, finances, networks) to enable older people to participate within these environments, and provide assistance to allow older people to use individual and community resources. Conclusions Community resources are integral in facilitating the development of older people's individual resources, and opportunities and capabilities for participation. These enable greater choice in participation, and contribute to the sustainability of community resources serving ageing populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winterton R, Warburton J, Oppenheimer M. The future for Meals on Wheels? Reviewing innovative approaches to meal provision for ageing populations The global phenomenon of population ageing is impacting on how community care is delivered, and a key component of health and social care services for the frail elderly is Meals on Wheels (MOW), a service that has traditionally encompassed delivering meals to older people in their homes. However, aspects of this conceptualisation of MOW are being redefined in order to address challenges posed by tightening global financial contexts, a reliance on volunteers and increasing social isolation among ageing populations. Through a review of the literature and websites from selected countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia), this article explores and critically evaluates models of MOW delivery addressing these challenges. Findings suggest that MOW services are utilising a marketised approach, moving outside of the home and incorporating diverse volunteer roles. These findings demonstrate how services such as MOW can develop sustainable approaches to service delivery in a contemporary context. Key Practitioner Message:• A review of innovative MOW highlights service models of broader applicability;• Varied delivery models and more diverse volunteer roles appeal to new sources of volunteers;• Research into the development of sustainable models with positive client social outcomes is now required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]