Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how health equity in the Bronx, NY could be significantly enhanced by extending the reach of a community-based intervention gaining traction in Europe and the U.S., Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC). By raising community awareness about dementia to support social engagement among persons living with dementia and their care partners, DFC have been shown to increase wellbeing among the target population by reducing social isolation. Whereas social isolation among older adults is correlated to higher rates of injury and illness, including dementia, and premature morbidity, self-reported wellbeing among similar populations is correlated to lower rates and better outcomes of illness and injury, social support, and greater quality of life, even among persons affected by dementia. Significantly, social isolation and its outcomes are worse for members of minority and immigrant populations and the Bronx has the fastest growing number of diverse older adults in the U.S. Results of a scoping review of DFC evaluations indicate that few DFC are located in large, diverse urban settings. As a result, a population experiencing a wide-range of health disparities, including higher rates of dementia, than non-minority and non-immigrant peers living in less diverse settings, does not have access to a low-cost, evidence-based intervention available in those settings. There are implications for practice and policies addressing health equity in diverse urban environments. The paper argues for extending the reach of DFC to better meet needs of under-served diverse older adults, and promote health equity.
Presenters
Justine McGovernChair and Associate Professor, Health Promotion and Nutrition Sciences, and Social Work, Lehman College (City University of New York), New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Health Policies and Practices
KEYWORDS
Health Equity, Dementia, Diversity and Aging, Wellbeing
