We hypothesise that empty - nest
rural elderly aged 60 and above are more susceptible to loneliness, major depressive episodes and depressive symptoms compared with not - empty - nest elderly.
Such an expansion would particularly benefit residents of medically underserved urban and
rural communities who otherwise lack ready access to primary care services, especially adults with serious and chronic health conditions that can be cared for in primary care settings, women of childbearing
age, children and the low - income
elderly.