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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Onell J. Calderas, MS, MPH, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, P.O. Box 208034, 60 Collge Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, 203-776-5444, onell.calderas@yale.edu
Although elders (60+) in general have shown remarkable improvements in health and socioeconomic status thanks to intense age-based policies and programs, aging Hispanics face multiple jeopardies because of their poor health outcomes, minority status, and impoverishment. This is of great concern because, while elders in general will grow by two-fold in the next decades, Hispanic elders will grow by seven-fold presenting a challenge to current social programs for the elders that operate under aggregate theoretical bases and assumptions. Assuming these programs have equal impact on the well-being of participating Hispanic elders might be problematic, even when goals are adopted into a cultural and linguistic context because assumptions remain the same. Methods: The evaluation of Casa Otoñal’s social programs consists of a survey of 67 residents -79% response rate- that inquired about program participation in recreational, supportive and volunteer programs, and health, disabilities, social network, instrumental support and well-being. Life Satisfaction Index-Z (LSI-Z) was used as well being indicator. Multivariate analyses were conducted to obtain adjusted estimates of the effect of program participation by covariates of social network, instrumental support, and health status. Results: Program participation was not associated with LSI-Z after controlling for covariates. However, participants in recreational and supportive services had poorer health outcomes, more disabilities, and lower LSI-Z than non-participants. Nevertheless, social network and instrumental support were greater among participants. Implications: Programs targeting Hispanic elders should consider adapting their goals to Hispanic elder’s functional limitations, health status and the importance of social network and instrumental support among them.
Learning Objectives: After reviewing the case-study of Casa Otoñal the participants will be able to
Keywords: Elderly, Hispanic
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Casa Otoñal, Inc.
135 Sylvan Avenue, New Haven CT 06519
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.