As the average age of farmers continues to rise, so do concerns about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease within the agricultural community. With nearly a third of ag producers now over the age of 65, families are increasingly faced with difficult questions about safety, health, and long-term care for loved ones who want to remain active on the farm.
Dr. Julie Bobitt, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, says the risks are especially significant in agriculture. “Older Americans with their longest-held jobs in agriculture experience a 46% greater odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” she explained. She added that older farmers are also less likely to adopt newer equipment or safety modifications, contributing to the fact that nearly 80% of agricultural fatalities involve older workers.
Bobitt notes that early warning signs often go beyond simple forgetfulness. Memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges with planning or finances, and difficulty completing familiar tasks can all be red flags. As dementia progresses, changes in vision, balance, and depth perception can create serious safety hazards in farm environments, from climbing tractor steps to navigating dimly lit barns.
To help families navigate these challenges, Bobitt and her colleague Dr. Kanika Arora developed the Farm Families Coping with Dementia program. The free, four-week online course is designed specifically for agricultural families and focuses on safety, communication, and planning. “We realized there really wasn’t anything out there that combined agricultural safety and dementia,” Bobitt said. “This program helps families identify risks, prioritize safety, and have those tough conversations earlier rather than later.”
The next session of the Farm Families Coping With Dementia program starts the week of January 26th. If you would like to learn more about the program or sign up, you may call 319-384-3817.
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