Month/Year of Graduation

5-2020

Department

Foreign Languages and Literature

First Advisor

Dr. Melanie Bloom

Abstract

In recent years, the senior care industry has become the focus of many public health initiatives as we have come to better understand the significance of our aging population (Olivari et al., 2020). Between the years 2010 and 2050, the population of the United States over 65 years is expected to more than double, from 40.5 to 89 million (Dall et al., 2013). While this data provides a national outlook, further research is needed to determine local impacts. This project centers on developing a better understanding of the demographics of seniors in the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Statistical Area and how to best serve this growing population, as well as the impact that race/ethnicity and culture may have on the ability of seniors to access high-quality healthcare and to maintain a high quality of life. The census data revealed that the two largest groups of residents of the metropolitan area that were born outside of the United States were of Latin American and Asian origin. This coincides with the population that attends the Intercultural Senior Center in Omaha, primarily Latino and Karen immigrants. The heath care access and implications for seniors for each of these groups are discussed as well as possible ways to increase their access to high-quality care.

Download

Share

COinS