Stakeholders' Ideas About Positive Aging for Latinos: A Conceptual Map

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on diverse stakeholder perspectives of "positive aging" for Latino older adults.
• Understanding these differing views is crucial for developing effective community programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and compare stakeholder understandings of positive aging for Latino older adults.
• To identify key differences in perceptions between academic scholars and community workers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized concept mapping methodology with a 20-member steering committee of community stakeholders.
• Collected data from 38 scholars and community workers, generating 90 statements on positive aging.
• Analyzed concept maps based on ratings from four distinct stakeholder groups.

Main Results:

• "Financial Security" was a universally prioritized aspect of positive aging across all stakeholder groups.
• Scholars rated "Spirituality" as least important, while community workers ranked it second highest.
• Significant differences emerged in the prioritization of various positive aging components between scholars and community workers.

Conclusions:

• Stakeholder perceptions of positive aging for Latino older adults are not uniform.
• Program development must acknowledge and incorporate the distinct viewpoints of different stakeholder groups, particularly regarding cultural and spiritual factors.
• Future interventions should be tailored to reflect the nuanced understanding of positive aging within the Latino community.