Texas farmer’s story underscores findings of new study on aging and health in agriculture
For many older farmers, a lifetime of working the land leaves enduring marks, not just on the soil, but on the mind and body. New research on aging in agriculture highlights the cumulative physical strain caused by years of exposure to extreme weather, repetitive labor and high-risk environments, often compounded by limited access to supportive health care. Texas leads the nation in farmland with more than 230,000 farms.
As the U.S. farming population continues to age, a growing body of research is shedding light on the unique and overlooked health risks faced by older farmers. A new study led by Kai Zhang, PhD of UNT Health Fort Worth's College of Public Health reveals that aging agricultural workers are navigating a complex mix of physical strain, chronic illness, and mental health challenges, all while remaining essential to the nation’s food system. The findings underscore an urgent need for targeted interventions to support farmers’ health, safety and long-term well-being.
Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries, with a disproportionately high share of injuries and fatalities among older farmers. The age range of older farmers varies by state and country, but as outlined in this study, the most agreed upon minimum age of an older farmer based on reported health risks is 55 years.
Aging farmers face unique vulnerabilities due to physical decline, long-term occupational exposures and environmental stressors. Meet David Will, a 77-year-old farmer based in Schulenburg, Texas who was introduced to agriculture at the early age of 4.
“My family had a quarter-acre truck garden where we grew food for a family of six
and sold the remaining,” Will said. “My family owned fruit and nut trees, 200 chickens,
200 rabbits, two cows, two horses, goats, sheep, quail, dove, as well as other animals
on two acres and leased land. By age 6, I knew I wanted to pursue agriculture long-term.”
Will has experience farming, ranching, working as a landscape contractor and arborist, and operating a plant nursery for most of his life. For 35 years, he taught nutritional medicine as a form of continuing education for adults.
It is common for older farmers to experience elevated risks of injuries, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and functional decline, driven by both occupational exposures and barriers.
“I have been diagnosed with skin cancer, high blood pressure, and have since experienced other health problems due to wear and tear on my body. Aging had not yet slowed me down until 2018 when I fell seven feet and landed on my tail bone.”
The veteran farmer says the fall led to severe spinal difficulties which required use of a back brace for a year. Although he reports losing some muscle tone, he resumed his work outdoors while also battling neuropathy in both of his feet and legs. It was not until two years ago that Will would experience his very first Vertigo attack, a direct result of aging.
“The Vertigo has impacted my work as an arborist as I can no longer climb trees or lift more than 50 pounds for my safety.”
“Addressing these challenges is essential to develop targeted, culturally relevant,
and policy-driven interventions that support healthy aging, sustained productivity,
and appropriate retirement transitions among farmers," Dr. Zhang said.
As for Will, he shows no signs of slowing down.
“I enjoy life, being outdoors, and sharing what I’ve learned over the years like demonstrating regenerative ranching,” Will said. Regenerative ranching is a holistic, nature-based approach that restores soil health, improves biodiversity, and sequesters carbon while producing food. “In the next year, I plan to hold demonstration lectures of regenerative ranching on my property for the public. Thinking about what’s next keeps me moving forward and gives each day a sense of purpose.
“Building on these findings, our next steps include developing longitudinal studies to examine life-course exposures and health trajectories, designing targeted interventions to improve safety and well-being, and translating the evidence into policy and practice to support sustainable aging in agricultural communities,” Zhang said.