Despite living in the countryside where open space is plentiful and there is often significant agricultural production, California's more than half a million rural elders are far more likely to be overweight or obese, physically inactive and food insecure than their suburban counterparts, according to a new study. All three conditions are risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and repeated falls -- conditions also more prevalent among rural elders.

Source: Out of reach? Rural elders have highest rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease