Older Latinos: Applying the Ethnocultural Gerontological Nursing Model

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nursing

Background:

• Latinos/Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority in the U.S.
• Older Hispanics are projected to comprise nearly 20% of the elderly population by mid-century.
• There is limited understanding of the health, social, and economic needs of older Hispanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an innovative Ethnocultural Gerontological Nursing Model.
• To provide a framework for exploring factors affecting Latino elders, families, and communities.
• To improve health services, programs, and policies for older Latinos.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a life span perspective.
• Developing an Ethnocultural Gerontological Nursing Model.
• Creating an accompanying questionnaire for comprehensive assessment.

Main Results:

• The model offers a framework for assessing macro- and micro-level factors.
• The questionnaire aids health providers in a fuller assessment of older Latinos.
• The approach facilitates understanding diverse needs of the Latino elderly population.

Conclusions:

• The Ethnocultural Gerontological Nursing Model enhances assessment of older Latinos.
• Improved understanding can lead to better health service, program, and policy development.
• This framework supports nurses and health providers in caring for Latino elders and their families.