Culture and diversity in older adults

African American

Hetergenous, have a wide range of socioeconomic conditions

Less likely to live alone, may have multi-generational household

consequences of racism are still present and linked to health disparities

Factors contributing to poor health outcomes include discrimination, culture barriers, and lack access to health care

Suspicion of health care providers linked to history of dispairities

Trusted leaders/ providers in community providers pathway to care sometimes associated with religious institutions

Culture awareness

Has more to do with an appreciation of the external signs of diversity, such as arts, music, dress, and physical characteristics

Culture sensitivity

Has more to do with personal attitudes and not saying things that might be offensive to someone from a culture or ethnic background different from the healthcare providers

Culture humility

Humble and respectful attitude toward individuals of other cultures that pushes one to challenge their own cultural biases, realize they cannot possibly know everything about other cultures, and approaching learning about other cultures as a lifelong goal and process

Asian americans

There is a large amount of diversity within the group that’s labeled “Asian and Pacific Islanders”

Strong value on care of older family members

Less likely to use nursing homes

More accepting of mental decline in older adults

Health is physical and spiritual harmony

Hispanic/Latino americans

Diverse group

Strong cultural respect for family and for older people

Older adults

Native American and Alaska Native

Values older members of the community, particulary with regard to their rolse as grandparents and story tellers

Strong traditions related to spirituality and religious practices, with each tribe having unique expressions

Belief in the connection among body, mind, and spirit

High rates of all of the following conditions: diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, substance abuse, and certain cancers (liver, cervix, kidney, gallbladder, and colorectal)

Poorer health associated with low economic conditions, cultural barriers, access to care, and mistrust of health providers

Cultural competence

Entails “the ability to deliver health care with knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural factors that influence the health behavior and the curing, healing, dying, and grieving process of the person”

Mitigating implicit biases and achieve cultural competence

Developing an awareness of one’s own culture, thoughts and environment without letting them have an undue influence on those from other backgrounds

Not assuming that providers beliefs and values are the same as the client’s

Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of teh client’s culture, health-related needs and meanings of health/illness

Resisting judgmental attitudes (different isn’t good)

Accepting and respecting cultural differences

Adapting care to be congruent with the client’s culture

Being oipen and comfortable with cultural encounters

Cultural competence should be manifested via an individualized plan of care that begins with performing an assessment through a cultural lens (like making sure kosher diets are avalible)