Age-Friendly Cities and Older Indigenous People: An Exploratory Study in Prince George, Canada

Abstract

Cities around the world are responding to aging populations and equity concerns for older people by developing age-friendly communities plans, following the World Health Organization’s guidelines. Such plans, however, often fail to account for the wide diversity of older people in cities, with the result that some older people, including Indigenous older people, do not see their needs reflected in age-friendly planning and policies. This article reports on a study involving 10 older First Nations and Métis women in the city of Prince George, Canada, comparing the expressed needs of these women with two age-friendly action plans: that of the city of Prince George, and that of the Northern Health Authority. Four main categories were raised in a group discussion and interview with these women at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre: availability of health care services, accessibility and affordability of programs and services, special roles of Indigenous Elders, and experiences of racism and discrimination. There are many areas of synergy between the needs expressed by the women and the two action plans; however, certain key areas are missing from the action plans; in particular, specific strategies for attending to the needs of Indigenous and other older populations who often feel marginalized in health care and in age-friendly planning.

Cultural inclusivity and diversity in dementia friendly communities: An integrative review

“…Our review found that community participation by culturally and linguistically diverse people with dementia was impeded by linguistic, financial, and environmental barriers (City of North Vancouver, 2020; Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, 2017; Liu et al, 2021; Nelson & Rosenberg, 2022). Many culturally and linguistically diverse people living in dementia friendly communities were not aware of such initiatives due to information not being translated (Darlington et al, 2021).…”

“…Increasing the capabilities of health and care services to provide culturally specific care is necessary as language barriers, lack of bilingual staff, and staff spending less time with people who did not speak the same language were barriers for culturally and linguistically diverse people living with dementia (City of North Vancouver, 2020; Darlington et al, 2021; Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, 2017; Herman et al, 2021; Telfar 2014). Traditional kinship and caregiving roles within families also impacted engagement with support services (Dean et al, 2015; Department of Local; Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, 2017; Nelson & Rosenberg, 2022). As evidenced in the Bradford, United Kingdom dementia friendly community, cultural roles that emphasise the need for women to take on traditional caregiving roles for someone with dementia can impact when and how they seek help (Dean et al, 2015), which can perpetuate reduced help-seeking and isolation (Fanany et al, 2013).…”

“…Many culturally and linguistically diverse people living in dementia friendly communities were not aware of such initiatives due to information not being translated (Darlington et al, 2021). Language barriers, unaffordability, and dementia unfriendliness also contribute to inaccessible transport and cultural/social isolation in the community (City of North Vancouver, 2020; Dean et al, 2015; Giebel et al, 2015; Hauger et al, 2019; Nelson & Rosenberg, 2022; Risser et al, 2015; Telfar, 2014). However, it is important to note that access was complicated by unique financial issues and language barriers reported by culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and not specifically stemming from a diagnosis of dementia as caregivers also struggled to access resources due to previously held barriers (Hauger et al, 2019; Khatri & Assefa, 2022; Risser et al, 2015; Shanley et al, 2012).…”

“…However, it is important to note that access was complicated by unique financial issues and language barriers reported by culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and not specifically stemming from a diagnosis of dementia as caregivers also struggled to access resources due to previously held barriers (Hauger et al, 2019; Khatri & Assefa, 2022; Risser et al, 2015; Shanley et al, 2012). Facilitators to improving accessibility and community participation included recommendations to design transport initiatives targeting isolation, using resources that were language and culturally appropriate, and ensuring funding for transport use (Dean et al, 2015; Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, 2017; Liu et al, 2021; Nelson & Rosenberg, 2022). It should be noted that although this strategy, amongst others, was recommended in several prospective studies, it appears that it has not yet been implemented, or at least disseminated through publication.…”

Sustainable services for the elderly in Malang city: A qualitative study

“…Implementation of sustainable care is a challenge for all lines involved to provide accurate, time-efficient health services for the elderly with the realization of an elderly-friendly city (13,15). Therefore, it is essential to develop network support systems such as hospitals in implementing discharge planning services (8).…”