NATIVE ELDER CAREGIVER CURRICULUM NECC Caring for Our Elders: Health Disparities Among Native Elders 2.2 Caring for our Elders: Health Disparities Among

NATIVE ELDER CAREGIVER CURRICULUMNECC

Caring for Our Elders: Health Disparities Among Native Elders 2.2

Caring for our Elders: Health Disparities Among Native Elders 2.2

1

Health Disparities: Native Elders

HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG NATIVE ELDERS Session 2.2

2

Average Life expectancy for American Indians varies by geographic location low average age of 64.3 years in

Aberdeen Area high average age of 76.3 years in

California Average life expectancy age in general

population is 76.9 years**cited in McDonald, Ludtke, & Allery (July 10, 2002) Testimony to Senate Committee on Indian Affairs



3

“Health Disparity” Definition:

“gaps in the quality of health & health care across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups”*

* cited in Wikipedia from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Healthy People 2010: National Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Objectives, conference ed. (Washington, D.C., January 2000)



4

Two Ways to think about the term “health disparities”

1. Disease rates are high Can think that “more Indian people do get

sick” …

OR 2. Health risk factors can be controlled

Can think that “it is possible to reduce risk for disease” by reducing risk factors



5

Disparities in Chronic Diseases among Native Elders

Native elders are more likely to experience certain health conditions compared to the general population:



6

Examples* of Disparities in Chronic Diseases among Native Elders as compared to general population

Arthritis 19.5 % more likely CHF 48.7 % more likely Hypertension 17.7 % more likely



7

Examples* of Health Disparities (Continued)

Stroke: 17.5 % more likely Asthma: 4.3 % more likely Diabetes: 173.0 % more likely

*Cited in McDonald, Ludtke, & Allery (July 10, 2002) Testimony to Senate Committee on Indian Affairs



8

Rates of some diseases appear “lower” in different regional areas However… this may mean that people who

have certain health conditions do not survive the condition, and are not “counted” in the rates

This may mean that people have lower survival rates of these diseases than the general population, not that the prevalence is lower



9

Other disparities occur also… The following is just one example that really

demonstrates the seriousness of the situation:

From 1994-1996, I.H.S. estimated that the death rate from pneumonia & flu for American Indian people was 71 % higher than the entire general U.S. population*

*Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, (February, 2004)



10

A number of causes for Health Disparities* Discrimination related to generations of

injustices Limited access to appropriate health facilities Poor access to health insurance programs Insufficient federal funding Quality of care issues Disproportionate poverty Poor education

*Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (2004)



11

Social Determinants of Health*: contribute to Health Disparities among Native Elders Socioeconomic status transportation issues Housing issues Access to services Discrimination Social or environmental stressors

*CDC Social Determinants of Health Working Group www.cdc.gov/sdoh



12



13

Communities, Elders & Caregivers have definite challenges in providing care for their elders!

BUT…

Communities, Elders & Caregivers can decide which perspective to take in the care of their elders!



14

Community People can make a big difference working together !



15

Communities can create healthier communities


16

•*

Documents

NATIVE ELDER CAREGIVER CURRICULUM NECC Caring for Our Elders: Health Disparities Among Native Elders 2.2 Caring for our Elders: Health Disparities Among