Racial Differences in Social Engagement and Health Status Among Older Women

Abstract

This study examined health disparities and the potential intervention role of social engagement in eliminating health disparities. Using a sample of 85 older women of 101 senior center participants in the city of Pittsburgh, this study found that racial differences existed in senior center activity participation and physical functioning between white and non-white women, and the sustained activity engagement was associated with physical functioning. The activity participation model explained more variance in physical functioning among older women than in the whole sample, including both males and females. The findings indicated that older women who participated in senior center activity for a sustained period experienced fewer functional limitations and chronic conditions than those short-term participants. The study discussed the importance of senior centers as a community-based resource in providing social integration through a variety of activities among non-white older women.