The Social Gradient in Mental Health and Well-Being for Indigenous Older Adults Living in Rural Areas: A Cross-Sectional Comparison With Rural Non-indigenous Population in Chile

Abstract

Objectives: To compare differences in depression, loneliness and personal well-being in a sample made up of indigenous (Aymara and Mapuche) and non-indigenous older people resident in original rural territories. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 800 older adults living in a rural context in Chile, of whom 201 were Aymara, 368 Mapuche and 231 non-indigenous. Validated instruments were included for depression, loneliness and personal well-being (outcome variables). Ordinary least squares regression analyses were performed. Results: Membership of an indigenous group was significantly associated with lower scores for depression and loneliness and higher scores for personal well-being. The interactions of severe deprivation and housing deprivation with indigenous group membership were significantly associated with lower loneliness scores and higher personal well-being scores for Aymara and Mapuche participants. Discussion: Native rural settings and territories may offer a degree of protection to indigenous peoples. Cultural continuity enhanced by rural areas would produce a culturally constructed resilience against deprivation.

A systematic review of ageing in place among Indigenous People in Canada, USA, México, Chile and New Zealand

“… h Reyes ( 2012 ), Mexico. i Sánchez-Moreno et al ( 2021 ), Chile. j Hayman et al ( 2012 ), New Zealand.…”

“… h Reyes ( 2012 ) Chiapas, México Qualitative approach to write a monography under the scope of the social ethno-gerontology Zoques To know how old age is lived in current indigenous contexts to compare, understand, and explain indigenous old age in situations of high marginalisation and extreme poverty. South America i Sánchez-Moreno et al ( 2021 ) North and south of Chile (rural areas) 800 participants Aymara: 201 Mapuche: 368 Non-indigenous: 231 Age: ≥ 60 Cross-sectional, intentional simple. Measures of psychosocial well-being (depression, loneliness and personal well-being), socioeconomic inequalities, (material deprivation, limited access to services and social participation) and ethnicity.…”

“…The community environment experienced by older adults in the form of their neighbourhood or reserve occupies a central position in AIP analysis, with one of the most commonly analysed aspects being access to social, health and community services (Baron et al, 2020 ; Brooks-Cleator et al, 2019 ; Cooper et al, 2020 ; García-Acosta et al, 2016 ; Hayman et al, 2012 ; Sánchez-Moreno et al, 2021 ). The studies analysed generally highlight difficulties accessing these services, with no services accessible by foot or services that are not easily accessible for older adults, specially steep stairs, for example.…”

Loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural communities: a narrative synthesis systematic review

“…Neighbors offer support in times of need ( 76 ), and support from neighbors had a significant positive effect on the older women living alone; as it helped to be able to maintain activities of daily living and brought an improvement in their health status ( 59 ). Social network with neighbors works as a coping strategy for loneliness too ( 34 ) as reiterated by Sánchez-Moreno et al ( 77 ), where participation in neighborhood and religious groups reduced loneliness.…”

Desafíos éticos en la investigación en cuidados con comunidades rurales

“…3 Además, las configuraciones jerárquicas familiares y comunitarias locales desempeñan un papel crucial en la organización y estructura de la vida social, a menudo difiriendo de la cultura urbana. 4 Los indicadores de caracterización socioeconómica en zonas rurales a menudo muestran mayores niveles de pobreza, educación incompleta y condiciones de vivienda precarias en comparación con áreas urbanas, 5,6 además de factores de riesgo como mayor carga de enfermedad y menor acceso a atención médica, apoyo social no familiar y servicios comunitarios. 3,7 Sin embargo, la relación esperada con los indicadores de morbimortalidad es diversa y no siempre coincide con lo observado en ambientes urbanos.…”