Aging

Tony Francis (97) argues that the “powers that be” don’t pay enough attention to the health needs of Black seniors. He and his three nonagenarian siblings credit their longevity to close family ties.

Aging

Former legislator Cheryl Brown is the two-time chair of the California Commission on Aging. She took part in the advisory committee for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging and continues to serve on its Equity Advisory Committee on Aging and Disability. She discusses California's master plan on aging, and notes that “equity is about ensuring that we intentionally uplift the voices of people who are underrepresented, underserved and unheard." That includes communities of color.

Aging

Californians are living longer and the state’s aging population has forced policymakers to focus more on the growing ranks of older adults as they plan for the state’s future. Black experts in the field want to ensure that African American seniors aren’t left out of the conversation. Representation in research and recruitment in academia matters, but these remain huge unsolved challenges.

Aging

Preparing for death is often seen as a foreign concept in the Korean community. Managing living conditions is emphasized over preparations for death. Somang Society, a senior led organization has come up with the campaign “Well Being, Well Aging, and Well Dying” to create a “beautiful life and a beautiful end.” Korean seniors are invited to discuss dementia diagnosis and coping, advance directives, and body donation pledges to be aware of their physical and mental health and to prepare for death in a way that brings emotional stability.

Aging

At the Moreno Valley Senior Center in Riverside county, California, up to 250 seniors are served on any given day. The food is just one draw. Seniors attend the lunch program for regular companionship, which helps to stave off loneliness and a sense of social isolation.

Aging

With a growing elderly population and a critical shortage of caregivers, the Chinese community is moving away from traditional expectations of caregiving, especially as adult children live lives away from parents. Chinese seniors often struggle to find caregivers who can speak the language and attend to their needs. As a result, undocumented Chinese workers are increasingly entering the workforce to address the shortage of caregivers for older Chinese adults.

Aging