Perspectives on Gerontology

From the Coordinator

Casper, M. — 2013-05-15T14:00:23-07:00

Cultural Competence for Everyone: A Shift in Perspectives

Riquelme, L. F. — 2013-05-15T14:00:23-07:00

As our country becomes increasingly diverse and our globalization movements bring more people from around the world together, it may well be time to rethink and reorganize our concept of culture, cultural appropriateness, and diversity in general. This article will serve as a base for the series of fine articles being published in Perspectives on Gerontology on different aspects of culture and our practices in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Older Adults' Use of Technology

Wallace, S. E., Graham, C., Saraceno, A. — 2013-05-15T14:00:23-07:00

In this article, we will discuss the "digital divide" as it relates to the use and acceptance of technology by older people, particularly in the realm of health care. We will review potential barriers and solutions to those barriers, and make suggestions for clinical implementation.

Rural Older Americans: A Unique Cultural Cohort

Mason-Baughman, M. B., Kisiday, C. — 2013-05-15T14:00:23-07:00

In this article, we will discuss important cultural considerations when providing services to older adults living in rural America. Older adults in rural areas have a unique set of issues when accessing health care, transportation, and social services. These adults typically also have less income than their urban peers, further impacting quality of life and aging. Service providers in rural America also face unique challenges when compared to their urban counterparts, we will discuss the perspectives of both. We will conclude by sharing recommendations for practicing with greater cultural fluency and overcoming barriers in geriatric service delivery in rural settings.

Culture, Race, and SES: Application to End of Life Decision Making for African American Caregivers

Williams, S. W., Harvey, I. S. — 2013-05-15T14:00:23-07:00

Culture and race are constructs that are conceptually distinct, but often are used interchangeably and without a working definition. The distinctions and unique contribution of each blur even more when one considers socioeconomic status (SES). In this paper, we will offer working and conceptual definitions of culture, race, and SES. We also will address application of the concepts to end of life considerations for informal caregivers, and other family members, of older African Americans with end-stage dementia.