Ethnic Differences in the Wellness of Elderly Persons

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine the health behaviors, attitudes and beliefs of well-elderly persons from Black, German, Hispanic, Vietnamese and White rural and city ethnic groups. Findings from the ethnographies and life histories of the twenty-eight informants revealed similarities and differences in health-related themes. These compared favorably with wellness dimensions of self-responsibility, social interaction, spirituality, exercise and nutrition, environmental factors, stress management and balance of work and leisure. Occupational therapists who provide health promotion and disease prevention services to minority elders can be more effective if they become sensitive to cultural as well as individual differences in treatment planing and implementation.