Characteristics and problems unique to the rural aged have drawn considerable attention in recent years. Location and environment influence the extent of needs, the availability of services, and a person's willingness to use such services. Religious and ethnic clusters also differ in service needs for their elderly and their willingness to accept assistance. The rural elderly may also have different values and beliefs than the urban elderly. Rural older persons are often suspicious, anti-government, and independent, characteristics which discourage the use of services; they may have little education and limited agricultural skills outdated by mechanization. A high ratio of older persons to younger workers in rural communities adds pressure to housing and community services. Geographic obstacles and dispersion of the older population affect the delivery and costs of services. Rural social service agencies are usually multi-purpose agencies serving a diverse clientele. The rural elderly would benefit from greater flexibility in public policy. Different rural communities need to examine a variety of strategies for meeting the needs of their older residents. (NRB)