Culture, multiculturalism and ageing: towards a postmodern interpretation

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Theory
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Nursing care for older adults relies on various theoretical frameworks.
• Lifecourse theory and Western medicine are prevalent but are cultural constructs.
• These frameworks can be perceived as normative, masking underlying power relations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine lifecourse theory and Western medicine as cultural constructs in older adult nursing.
• To explore how these frameworks may obscure power dynamics and be irrelevant for non-English speakers.
• To advocate for a more localized and contextual approach to understanding aging in nursing practice.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of theoretical frameworks in nursing literature.
• Examination of the cultural underpinnings of aging theories.
• Consideration of the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on the application of these theories.

Main Results:

• Lifecourse theory and Western medicine are identified as culturally specific constructs, not universally applicable.
• These frameworks can perpetuate power imbalances within healthcare.
• Non-English speaking older adults may find these dominant frameworks alienating and meaningless.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' adoption of normative theoretical frameworks can inadvertently reproduce cultural biases.
• A localized, contextual understanding of aging is crucial for culturally sensitive and effective nursing care.
• Rethinking theoretical underpinnings is essential for inclusive and equitable care of diverse older populations.