Ethnically Diverse Older Adults' Beliefs about Staying Mentally Sharp

• Published in: International journal of aging & human development 2011-01, Vol.73 (1), p.27-52
• Main Authors: Friedman, Daniela B., Laditka, Sarah B., Laditka, James N., Wu, Bei, Liu, Rui, Price, Anna E., Tseng, Winston, Corwin, Sara J., Ivey, Susan L., Hunter, Rebecca, Sharkey, Joseph R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult. Elderly; African Americans; African Cultural Groups; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging (Individuals); Aging - ethnology; Aging - psychology; American Indians; Asian Americans; Asian Cultural Groups; Attitude to Health - ethnology; Biological and medical sciences; Black White Differences; Chinese Americans; Cognition; Cognition Disorders - ethnology; Cognition Disorders - psychology; Cognitive Ability; Cognitive Processes; Developmental psychology; Elderly; Ethnic Diversity; Ethnic groups; Female; Focus Groups; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Geriatrics; Health Activities; Health behavior; Health Behavior - ethnology; Health education; Health Promotion; High Achievement; Hispanic Americans; Humans; Interaction; Interpersonal Relationship; Male; Medical sciences; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Older Adults; Older people; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Quality of Life; Social Behavior; Social Interaction; Stimulation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Volunteers; White people; Whites
• ISSN: 0091-4150; 1541-3535
• DOI: 10.2190/AG.73.1.b

This study examined diverse older adults' (n = 396, ages 50+) views about how to stay mentally sharp. We conducted 42 focus groups in four languages at nine United States locations using a standardized discussion guide and methods. The groups represented African Americans, American Indians, Chinese Americans, Latinos, Whites other than Latinos, and Vietnamese Americans. All groups mentioned benefits of social interaction. All groups, especially Chinese and African Americans, mentioned benefits of community engagement. Participants in all groups expressed their belief that mental stimulation, particularly reading, promoted cognitive health; African Americans and Whites were especially likely to say that mental exercises (e.g., puzzles) were useful. Results suggest opportunities for education about potential cognitive health benefits of being socially connected through senior center activities and volunteer programs.