Page 232 - Cultural Competence in Health Education

210 Cultural Competence in Health Education and Health Promotion

■ Health educators should familiarize themselves with education techniques
especially designed to reach the aging population. In particular they should be
prepared to overcome low levels of health literacy.

■ Non - Hispanic whites are currently a majority of the older population, but the pro-
portions of other ethnic and racial groups are growing rapidly. Health educators
working with older adults need to become culturally competent.

■ The context of the ethnogeriatrics model (Figure 11.3 ) relates ethnicity, aging, and
health and thus provides a structure for building cultural competence for working
with older adults. Ethnogeriatric materials intend to contribute to the attainment
of the Healthy People 2010 goal to increase functional life expectancy.
■ Health promotion and prevention programs for older adults may be best carried
out by partnerships among public health departments, agencies with a focus on
aging, and voluntary organizations.

CASE STUDY
During her first week at work at a large metropolitan hospital, Chris discovers that the

majority of people in her sleep apnea group are individuals aged 65 and older. The ma-
jority of these people appear to be healthy, and none of them have any experience with
health education programs. Most seem uncomfortable with having a “ young ” person
dictate to them what they have to do; this sleep apnea group is turning into just another
example in the long list of one - sided conversations they have had with the health care
system. Discuss the following questions:

1. How can Chris involve these older patients in seeking hospital resources for help
with nutrition, exercise, and medication?

2. Do you think it would be beneficial for Chris to obtain medical histories that she

could use to check her assumptions about the health status of these elderly indi-
viduals?
3. Would information about these older adults ’ previous experiences with the hos-
pital setting help Chris to increase their participation?

4. Would Chris benefit from working with a professional in aging to broaden her

views and assumptions about older adults and the kinds of interactions she can
have with them?

KEY TERMS
Ageism Healthy aging
Health promotion Successful aging

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