Abstract
Chronic disease management for the older adult population can result in limited participation. This is due to the lack of transportation in rural areas, inadequate health insurance and the inability to seek health education. Based upon these identified factors, it is evident that active health engagement needs to be delivered through community engagement activities to support the promotion of health outcomes. The aim of this study is to develop a community-based educational series for older adults diagnosed with a chronic disease and to promote health and wellness for those individuals who are in receipt of Medicaid or associated with someone who receives Medicaid in the state of Louisiana. We also explore how older adults perceive population health after actively engaging in the community health and wellness activities using a focus group approach. Methods: Focus groups were conducted at the end of each community health and wellness event. Data analysis was carried out using a thematic analysis approach to identify themes that emerged from the focus group data. The preliminary findings from this study highlight that community-based health and wellness events, are effective for promoting social health screenings, educating individuals on point of care results and offering forwarding referrals to an appropriate healthcare provider to manage chronic diseases. Promoting positive health outcomes by conducting community health and wellness events is a health promotion strategy that had proven to be effective, but requires further exploration for sustainability on active participation from older adults diagnosed with a chronic disease.
Presenters
Linda CollinsAssociate Professor, Health and Human Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Medical Perspectives on Aging, Health, Wellness
KEYWORDS
Adults, Chronic, Community, Disease, Education, Engagement, Health, Older, Wellness
