Urban vs. Rural Living

By Catherine Steele

They say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Sometimes, city dwellers wish they lived in the rural areas, and rural dwellers wish they resided in the city. But is there any evidence that shows it is better to be an urban or rural resident? In particular, does urban or rural living have an effect on the health behaviours of those with disabilities?

Recently, a health behaviours survey was completed by 280 young adults with disabilities, 19 to 35 years of age, who lived across Ontario. Of these, 52 per cent resided in a city with a population of above 100,000; 20 per cent of the adults resided in a city with a population of between 30,000 and 99,999; 11 per cent were in a city with fewer than 30,000 residents; and 17 per cent lived in a rural area. What differences in health behaviours do you think existed in these urban and rural communities?

Interestingly, the survey revealed few differences. In comparing urban with rural communities, the health behaviours of young adults with disabilities were discovered to be the same. For example, few smoked, drank or used illegal drugs, or did physical exercise. In both urban and rural communities, many adults with disabilities watched television more than four hours a day.

However, the few differences among the surveys are noteworthy. Urban dwellers with disabilities felt lonelier and more helpless than their rural counterparts. Although only 35 per cent of the 280 worked for pay, more adults with disabilities who lived in the city held full-time jobs, while those in the rural areas more often held part-time jobs.

So, is the grass greener in the city or in rural areas? Generally, it is the same! Urban and rural adults with disabilities have similar health behaviours -- some good, some not so good. Let urban and rural dwellers share ideas and make the "grass" as green as possible in all communities!

(If you have any suggestions or comments, please call Catherine Steele at Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre in Toronto (416) 424-3855 (or 1-800-363-2440), ext. 3642, or leave an e-mail message at csteele@bloorviewmacmillan.on.ca.)