Attitudes about aging well among a diverse group of older Americans: implications for promoting cognitive health.
OBJECTIVE
To examine perceptions about aging well in the context of cognitive health among a large and diverse group of older adults.


METHODS
Forty-two focus groups were conducted with older adults living in the community (N = 396; White, African American, American Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hispanic). Participant descriptions of "someone who you think is aging well" were analyzed. Constant comparison methods examined themes by race/ethnicity.


RESULTS
There were notable race/ethnicity differences in perceptions of aging well. Compared with other racial/ethnic groups Chinese participants were more likely to emphasize relationships between mental outlook and physical abilities, Vietnamese participants were less likely to emphasize independent living. American Indians did not relate aging well to diet or physical activity. Important themes that emerged about aging well for all racial/ethnic groups were as follows: living to advanced age, having good physical health, having a positive mental outlook, being cognitively alert, having a good memory, and being socially involved.


CONCLUSIONS
To promote cognitive health among diverse populations, communication strategies should focus on shared perceptions of aging well, such as living to an advanced age with intact cognitive function, having a positive attitude, and being mobile. Health promotions may also create a range of culturally sensitive messages, targeted to views that are more salient among some racial/ethnic groups.
Laditka
Sarah B
SB
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. sladitka@uncc.edu
Corwin
Sara J
SJ
Laditka
James N
JN
Liu
Rui
R
Tseng
Winston
W
Wu
Bei
B
Beard
Renée L
RL
Sharkey
Joseph R
JR
Ivey
Susan L
SL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States