Health Disparities Among Older Adults: An Introduction to the Special Issue

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Health disparities in older adults are a growing concern for researchers and organizations like the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
• These disparities negatively affect health outcomes, longevity, and quality of life, imposing economic burdens on society.
• Addressing these inequities is crucial for improving the well-being of aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• This special issue focuses on health disparities experienced by older adults throughout their lifespan.
• The introductory article provides a foundation for exploring disparities in various subgroups, including ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and rural elders.
• Key concepts such as social determinants of health, marginalization, and intersectionality will be examined to understand these disparities.

Main Methods:

• This article serves as an introduction to a special issue, outlining the scope and focus.
• It identifies key areas of focus for subsequent research on health disparities in older adults.
• Conceptual frameworks like social determinants of health, marginalization, and intersectionality are introduced.

Main Results:

• The focus is on introducing the problem of health disparities in older adults.
• Subsequent articles will delve into specific disparities among diverse older adult populations.
• The foundational concepts for understanding these disparities are presented.

Conclusions:

• Health disparities among older adults are a significant public health and societal issue.
• A comprehensive understanding requires examining social determinants, marginalization, and intersectionality.
• This special issue aims to advance research and inform interventions to reduce health inequities in aging populations.