BANDERA — More than 40 residents, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and elected officials gathered in Bandera to discuss what it means to build age-friendly infrastructure in the Hill Country.
Planned by a volunteer steering committee of Hill Country residents, the event marked the ninth Rural Roundup held across the region over the past four years.
Sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Hill Country Alliance, the gathering explored both the challenges and opportunities of supporting older adults in rural communities.
Participants shared stories of how local neighbors and organizations are already working to address needs related to healthcare, transportation, nutrition, and social connection.
“Everyone is aging every day,” said organizer Rebeca Gibson, regional engagement manager for the Hill Country Alliance.
The event featured presentations and discussions on age-friendly community planning, caregiving resources, senior transportation, county and nonprofit support systems, and strategies for strengthening services for older adults across the region.
“Aging impacts every part of our lives – from access to nature and transportation to housing, healthcare, and social networks,” Gibson said. “Our goal was to bring together neighbors and leaders to highlight successful programs already serving older adults in the Hill Country while identifying additional opportunities to make our communities welcoming for people of all ages.”
Participants also learned about successful local initiatives, including KerrKonnect’s door-to-door transportation service for older adults and Bandera’s new transit connection to Wharton’s Dock, made possible through collaboration among local and regional partners.
The Rural Roundup is a traveling event series that highlights communities across the Hill Country the specific strengths or challenges they face. The initiative is part of Leading in the Rural Hill Country, which works to connect emerging and established leaders, identify common challenges, share solutions, and pursue opportunities that strengthen the region’s future.
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