Variation in Spatial Access to Substance Use Treatment for Older Adults - A Nationwide and Kansas-Specific Analysis

Q: What question does the study address about older adults and substance use treatment?

It examines how spatial access to specialized substance use treatment varies, both across the United States and specifically within Kansas.

Q: How is spatial accessibility measured in the analysis?

The study measures distances between census tract centroids and facility locations and applies a two-step floating catchment area method to generate a spatial access index (SPAI), with driving-distance SPAI computed for Kansas.

Q: What do the results show about distance barriers to treatment?

A substantial share of older adults lack a nearby specialized program; among census tracts, many have no qualifying facility within 50 miles, and SPAI values indicate pronounced rural disparities even after accounting for service demand.

Sep 29, 2026

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Substance use disorder is frequently overlooked and inadequately treated among older adults, especially in rural communities. This study evaluates spatial access to specialized substance use treatment (SUT) programs nationwide and with a detailed analysis of Kansas. Using 2022 facility directory data, distances from census tract centroids to SUT locations are measured and assessed with a two-step floating catchment area method to produce a spatial access index (SPAI), including driving-distance SPAI for Kansas.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study approach

Data sources and spatial accessibility metrics

Key findings

Implications

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 739 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2515 VARIATION IN SPATIAL ACCESS TO SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT FOR OLDER ADULTS: A NATIONWIDE AND KANSAS-SPECIFIC ANALYSIS Elizabeth Bambury1, J. Tom Mueller2, Elizabeth Ablah2, and Sharon Fitzgerald Wolff2, 1. University of Kansas Medical Center, Andover, Massachusetts, United States, 2. University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States Substance use disorder is often overlooked and undertreated among older adults – a growing population especially in rural America. Treatment programs specifically tailored to meet their age-related needs can improve recovery outcomes. This study examines spatial access to these specialized substance use treatment (SUT) programs both nation-wide and with a detailed focus on the state of Kansas. We obtain data on SUT facilities from the 2022 National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facilities. Distances between census tract centroids and facility locations were measured, and spatial accessibility was assessed using a two-step floating catchment area method to generate a spatial access index (SPAI) . For older Kansans, a second SPAI using driving distances was computed. Results are displayed nationally and for the state of Kansas, and also stratified by rurality using Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes. Of 12,102 identified SUT facilities, 3,614 (29.9%) offered programs for older adults. Among 84,120 census tracts, 4,323 had no such facility within 50 miles, affecting 2,589,240 adults aged 65 and older. On average, the nearest older adult program was 13 miles away (SD = 19), with small rural tracts averaging 34 miles farther than urban tracts (p < 0.001) . SPAI values further highlighted disparities in rural areas, even after accounting for service demand. Our findings reveal that for millions of older adults, particularly in rural areas, distance poses a significant barrier to substance use treatment. Expanding access to specialized treatment programs in underserved areas is essential to promote healthier aging among older adults.

FAQs

What question does the study address about older adults and substance use treatment?

It examines how spatial access to specialized substance use treatment varies, both across the United States and specifically within Kansas.

How is spatial accessibility measured in the analysis?

The study measures distances between census tract centroids and facility locations and applies a two-step floating catchment area method to generate a spatial access index (SPAI), with driving-distance SPAI computed for Kansas.

What do the results show about distance barriers to treatment?

A substantial share of older adults lack a nearby specialized program; among census tracts, many have no qualifying facility within 50 miles, and SPAI values indicate pronounced rural disparities even after accounting for service demand.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Miles