Exploring Women’s Mental Health at the Intersections of Aging, Racialization, and Low Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Physical health is intimately connected to older adult mental health. Community recreation programs tailored for older adults can help improve physical health and widen social support networks. Having a strong social support network and physical health are crucial components of older adult mental health. Community health initiatives that can target these key areas are recommended. Future research on the effect of community recreation programs on older adult mental health is needed. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, Canada (2010), outlined numerous older adult mental health programs that have been successful. For example, the Aging Well and Healthy program in the Netherlands, which targeted Turkish immigrants living in low SES situations, has been proven to be successful in improving health outcomes for this population. This program's success can be attributed to involving both education and group physical activity with an aim of being culturally aware and inclusive. The program was offered through welfare services in six different cities and involved the input of multiple stakeholders such as, health educators, physiotherapists, and social workers. Another program mentioned in the CAMH report. The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS), focused on improving older adult mental health through a step-by-step program focused on enhancing both social and physical activity in the United States. This program was offered in both private home and community settings and emphasized the building of essential skills such as problem solving. Lastly, the Stimulating Friendship in Later Life program in the Netherlands focused on building social support networking skills for older adult women. This 12-week psychoeducational program was successful in significantly reducing loneliness in participants. We recommend further studies on community initiatives that attempt to capture older adults who are less engaged, isolated, and experiencing physical and mental health difficulties. Such research is needed in order for service providers to develop evidence-based community programs responsive to the needs of diverse older adult populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)