Review and Implications of Intergenerational Communication and Social Support in Chronic Disease Care and Participation in Health Research of Low-Income, Minority Older Adults in the United States

Abstract

Background: Health disparities disproportionally affect Black and Hispanic older US adults. Health research is needed to understand and eliminate these disparities; however, older adults, and particularly Black and Hispanic/Latino older adults are underrepresented in health research. Adult children have influenced health behavior and health outcomes of their older parents in several demographics in the US. Analysis of these studies can lead to a model for the development of interventions aimed at improving health and healthcare participation of older Black and Hispanic US adults.Objectives: To review the role of intergenerational communication and social support in health behavior, health research, and health outcomes for older adults and to apply these findings toward a model for health interventions for Black and Hispanic US older adults.Methods: An analytical narrative review and application toward an intervention model.Results: Key topic areas were reviewed and analyzed by examining studies that applied forms of intergenerational communication and/or intergenerational social support with the goal of either improving health, disease management and/or participation in health research in populations world-wide. Next, a model for providing health interventions in older Black and Hispanic US adults was developed using strategies gleaned from the findings.Conclusion: A model for health intervention for Black and Hispanic/Latino US older adults was presented based on an analytical review and intergenerational communication and/or social support. Qualitative data are necessary to understand the enablers and barriers of intergenerational communication and social support to improve health outcomes in these populations.

Experiences and perceptions of self‐management in people with prediabetes: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

“…The social support system can improve the self‐management enthusiasm of patients with chronic diseases, and improve their anxiety and depression (Kong et al, 2019; Vaccaro et al, 2021). As one of the main places for social activities, the family is the most important part of the social support system.…”

“…Social support system can not only improve the initiative of chronic disease patients' self‐management, but also improve their negative psychological state (Kong et al, 2019; Vaccaro et al, 2021). Family behaviours can either hinder or promote self‐management (Vongmany et al, 2018).…”

Intergenerational Influence of African American, Caribbean and Hispanic/Latino Adults Regarding Decision to Participate in Health-Related Research

“…Ethnically diverse older adults in our study discussed health care issues and decisions regarding research participation with their adult children, especially those in healthcare professions. A recent study, by our group reported evidence that younger adults of several populations have been influential in the lives of older adults and their health care decisions (Vaccaro et al, 2021). However, many older adults in our study stated that they made their decisions independently after consulting their children, especially their daughters.…”

Association between health literacy and dysphagia in the community-dwelling older population: a cross-sectional study

“…Moreover, research suggests that social support significantly impacts the health outcomes of older adults [ 25 ]. Caregivers can encourage older adults to adopt healthy behaviors and lifestyles to manage their chronic diseases [ 26 ]. Consequently, older adults with robust social support are more inclined to engage in physical activities, maintain a healthy diet, and actively participate in social activities, thereby reducing the incidence and progression of chronic diseases and potentially reducing the occurrence of dysphagia.…”