Best Patient Care Includes DEI Practices

The Mather Institute (TMI) wrote an excellent report, Aging Well Across Cultures. TMI conducted a series of studies to examine aging experiences across diverse US communities of older adults. The purpose of the study was to explore aging well among racially or ethically diverse groups of older adults. It also sought to identify ways to promote aging well among these groups. Some findings of the study were:

• On successful aging, Black / African American respondents reported greater successful aging than all other groups, and South Asian American respondents reported lower successful aging than all other groups.

• On healthy lifestyle, Black / American respondents reported greater healthy lifestyles than all other groups, and South Asian American respondents were statistically lower than all groups except White respondents.

• On engagement with life, Black / African American respondents reported greater engagement with life than members of all other racial or ethnic groups, and South Asian American respondents tended to report lower engagement with life that other racial or ethic groups.

• On adaptive resilience, Black / African American respondents tended to report greater adaptive resilience than Middle Eastern / Arab American and South Asian American respondents, and White respondents also had greater adaptive resilience than South Asian American respondents on average.

• On health, White and Middle Eastern / Arab American respondents reported better health than Chinese, Hispanic / Latino, and South Asian American respondents. Black / African American respondents also tended to report better health than the South Asian American group;

The report suggests ways to support aging well among diverse older adults and to promote inclusive communities. These suggestions include:

• Offer culturally appropriate programs.

• Encourage older adults to be their authentic selves.

• Partner with local faith-based organization such as temples, mosques, churches, synagogues, or gurudwaras.

• Provide opportunities for meaningful intergenerational engagements.

• Learn about and celebrate cultural holidays.

• Host "family meetups," particularly for important milestones such as birthdays or cultural holidays.

• Develop programs and offer translation services to support late-life immigrants.

• Avoid making stereotypical assumptions, even if well-intended.

To enhance the care experience, service provider should (1) practice cultural sensitivity, (2) personalize to enhance engagement, (3) promote community and connection, (4) focus on health and wellness, and (5) enhance resilience and empowerment. Read more.