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Review
. 2022 Aug 27;21(1):119.
doi: 10.1186/s12939-022-01721-5.

Preserving independence among under-resourced older adults in the Southeastern United States: existing barriers and potential strategies for research

Ene M Enogela  1 , Taylor Buchanan  1 , Christy S Carter  1 , Ronit Elk  1 , Shena B Gazaway  2 , Burel R Goodin  3 , Elizabeth A Jackson  4 , Raymond Jones  1 , Richard E Kennedy  1 , Emma Perez-Costas  1 , Lisa Zubkoff  5   6 , Emily L Zumbro  1 , Alayne D Markland  1   6 , Thomas W Buford  7   8
Affiliations
Review

Preserving independence among under-resourced older adults in the Southeastern United States: existing barriers and potential strategies for research

Ene M Enogela et al. Int J Equity Health. .

Abstract

Disability prevention and preservation of independence is crucial for successful aging of older adults. To date, relatively little is known regarding disparities in independent aging in a disadvantaged older adult population despite widely recognized health disparities reported in other populations and disciplines. In the U.S., the Southeastern region also known as "the Deep South", is an economically and culturally unique region ravaged by pervasive health disparities - thus it is critical to evaluate barriers to independent aging in this region along with strategies to overcome these barriers. The objective of this narrative review is to highlight unique barriers to independent aging in the Deep South and to acknowledge gaps and potential strategies and opportunities to fill these gaps. We have synthesized findings of literature retrieved from searches of computerized databases and authoritative texts. Ultimately, this review aims to facilitate discussion and future research that will help to address the unique challenges to the preservation of independence among older adults in the Deep South region.

Keywords: Aging; Disability; Health disparities; Independence; Southeastern United states.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Adapted model of disability based upon work by Verbrugge and Jette [17] conceptualizing age-related disability in the Deep south
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Categories and examples of social determinants of health [24]
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Physical, mental, and social barriers for preserving the independence of older adults in the Deep South
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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