Hannah Nguyen1, Jung-Ah Lee2, Dara H Sorkin3, Lisa Gibbs4. 1. California State University, Dominguez Hills, Department of Human Services, 1000 East Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747, United States of America. Electronic address: hnguyen@csudh.edu. 2. University of California, Irvine, Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, 100A Berk Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3959, United States of America. Electronic address: jungahl@uci.edu. 3. University of California, Irvine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, 100 Theory, Suite 120, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America. Electronic address: dsorkin@uci.edu. 4. University of California, Irvine, Division of Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, 200 Manchester, Suite 835, Orange, CA 92865, United States of America. Electronic address: lgibbs@uci.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE: The growingly diverse aging population presents a challenge for the geriatric workforce, particularly its capacity to effectively respond to the sociocultural and linguistic needs of ethnic minority older adults. Informed by research on the importance of culturally-competent care in reducing racial and ethnic health disparities, this study sought to understand the meaning of healthy aging from the perspectives of Korean American, Vietnamese American, and Latino older adults. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 30 participants recruited from community-based organizations in Southern California. RESULTS: Several dimensions emerged in the participants' understanding of healthy aging: (1) having good physical and mental health (2) optimism and acceptance; (3) social connectedness; (4) taking charge of one's health; and (5) independence and self-worth. CONCLUSIONS: Results could inform the development of a culturally-responsive geriatric healthcare system that takes into account older adults' beliefs, preferences, and needs to promote successful aging.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVE: The growingly diverse aging population presents a challenge for the geriatric workforce, particularly its capacity to effectively respond to the sociocultural and linguistic needs of ethnic minority older adults. Informed by research on the importance of culturally-competent care in reducing racial and ethnic health disparities, this study sought to understand the meaning of healthy aging from the perspectives of Korean American, Vietnamese American, and Latino older adults. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 30 participants recruited from community-based organizations in Southern California. RESULTS: Several dimensions emerged in the participants' understanding of healthy aging: (1) having good physical and mental health (2) optimism and acceptance; (3) social connectedness; (4) taking charge of one's health; and (5) independence and self-worth. CONCLUSIONS: Results could inform the development of a culturally-responsive geriatric healthcare system that takes into account older adults' beliefs, preferences, and needs to promote successful aging.