This booklet contains both the proceedings of a conference on the rural elderly and the testimony submitted to a field hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Aging, which was conducted during the conference. Papers presented examine the nature of rural areas and the rural population, services available for the rural elderly, and the need for services and support in a depressed economy with limited medical and social resources. Particular attention is given to health care needs of the rural elderly, mental health services, long-term care, and support for rural caregivers. Other papers consider rural transportation, telephone and other communication services, rural minorities, and rural housing. Groups proposing to help include the rural church, families and friends, community colleges and universities, business development groups, and volunteers. Several papers describe successful programs that have addressed problems of the rural elderly by providing case management, information, referral, and legal assistance. Recommendations emphasize community organization and participation with coordination at the state and regional level, focus on economic development, interagency cooperation, and increased publicity about available services. Testimony given in the field hearing on June 13 describes the situation of the rural elderly in Kansas and Iowa, their numbers, living conditions, health care needs, and suggestions for legislative help. (DHP)