Abstract

Through the lens of a case example, this paper suggests ways to promote health democracy by improving wellness among diverse older adults in an urban context. In 2007, the WHO identified developing opportunities for older adults to remain active and engaged in their communities to increase rates of aging-in-place, reduce social isolation and enhance quality of life, as a top-priority. Since then, age-friendly ecological practices have flourished. These rely on interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaborations with community-based stakeholders, such as universities, that promote wellness among older adults in innovative ways steeped in the values and practice of democracy. Promoting wellness among older adults is significant in the context of today’s ageing societies confronted by a shortfall in health services. Moreover, enlisting universities as active members of age-friendly ecosystems bolsters institutions of higher learning under attack in shrinking democracies, such as the United States, by extending their mission. With a charter to educate historically under-represented and under-served members of society, Lehman College, the Bronx campus of the City University of New York, has the potential to be a significant player in the local age-friendly ecosystem. The presentation suggests ways Lehman, and other universities, can be more impactful in promoting health democracy. These include achieving the Age-Friendly University designation; expanding expectations of a university’s role; and developing sustainable policies that promote health democracy while protecting education democracy. Ultimately, the study examines the intersection of health and education in maintaining and magnifying democratic values and practices in the context of inclusive wellness.

Presenters

Justine McGovern
Chair 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

Health Promotion and Education

KEYWORDS

Age-friendly Ecosystems, Higher Education, Older adults, Wellness, Democracy

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