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Towards Healthy Aging in Palau

Xu, Wenqian LU orcid ; Holm, Tarita ; Lee, Siwon ; Uherbelau, Gaafar ; Madraisau, Sherilynn and Subediang, Hera (2023) In The Gerontologist
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Palau is facing a rapidly aging population and developing a comprehensive national aging policy to address the growing needs of older adults, but more research is needed to understand their circumstances and needs in relation to healthy aging. This study aims to investigate these factors and contribute to developing the National Policy on Care for the Aging.

Research Design and Methods
The study adopted a participatory action research design and included focus groups with older adults, public consultations and stakeholder interviews, providing insights into the needs of an aging population and how to address them. Thematic analysis was conducted to understand the experiences and needs of older... (More)
Background and Objectives
Palau is facing a rapidly aging population and developing a comprehensive national aging policy to address the growing needs of older adults, but more research is needed to understand their circumstances and needs in relation to healthy aging. This study aims to investigate these factors and contribute to developing the National Policy on Care for the Aging.

Research Design and Methods
The study adopted a participatory action research design and included focus groups with older adults, public consultations and stakeholder interviews, providing insights into the needs of an aging population and how to address them. Thematic analysis was conducted to understand the experiences and needs of older adults and possible system changes to address these needs.

Results
This study identified the need to recognize cultural changes and optimize social and physical environments to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Older adults are valued in Palauan society, but harmful stereotypes and mistreatment of older adults exist. To address those needs and challenges, our stakeholders proposed a range of services, programs and policies across sectors to create a healthy-enabling environment. Our findings also highlight the importance of health systems proactively reaching individuals and families to address lifelong health needs.

Discussion and Implications
Our results show the vital role of various sectors in fostering healthy aging and the importance of environmental and cultural perspectives in creating an age-friendly society, which can be an inspiration for other Pacific Island countries. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; ; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
epub
subject
in
The Gerontologist
publisher
Oxford University Press
external identifiers
  • pmid:37352260
  • scopus:85177458896
ISSN
1758-5341
DOI
10.1093/geront/gnad078
project
Promoting healthy ageing in the Western Pacific
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
770c0b64-fe25-46fe-9416-6d78b5262a97
date added to LUP
2023-06-24 05:00:07
date last changed
2024-03-04 04:11:12
@article{770c0b64-fe25-46fe-9416-6d78b5262a97,
  abstract     = {{Background and Objectives<br/>Palau is facing a rapidly aging population and developing a comprehensive national aging policy to address the growing needs of older adults, but more research is needed to understand their circumstances and needs in relation to healthy aging. This study aims to investigate these factors and contribute to developing the National Policy on Care for the Aging.<br/><br/>Research Design and Methods<br/>The study adopted a participatory action research design and included focus groups with older adults, public consultations and stakeholder interviews, providing insights into the needs of an aging population and how to address them. Thematic analysis was conducted to understand the experiences and needs of older adults and possible system changes to address these needs.<br/><br/>Results<br/>This study identified the need to recognize cultural changes and optimize social and physical environments to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Older adults are valued in Palauan society, but harmful stereotypes and mistreatment of older adults exist. To address those needs and challenges, our stakeholders proposed a range of services, programs and policies across sectors to create a healthy-enabling environment. Our findings also highlight the importance of health systems proactively reaching individuals and families to address lifelong health needs.<br/><br/>Discussion and Implications<br/>Our results show the vital role of various sectors in fostering healthy aging and the importance of environmental and cultural perspectives in creating an age-friendly society, which can be an inspiration for other Pacific Island countries.}},
  author       = {{Xu, Wenqian and Holm, Tarita and Lee, Siwon and Uherbelau, Gaafar and Madraisau, Sherilynn and Subediang, Hera}},
  issn         = {{1758-5341}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{06}},
  publisher    = {{Oxford University Press}},
  series       = {{The Gerontologist}},
  title        = {{Towards Healthy Aging in Palau}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnad078}},
  doi          = {{10.1093/geront/gnad078}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}