This article appears in the following The Gerontologist issue: Promoting Cognitive Health in Diverse Populations of Older Adults [View the issue table of contents]
Getting the Message Out About Cognitive Health: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Older Adults' Media Awareness and Communication Needs on How to Maintain a Healthy Brain
2 Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
3 Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
4 Carolina Geriatric Education Center, Center for Aging and Health, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
5 Health Research for Action and Division of Community Health and Human Development, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
6 Gerontology Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
7 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
8 Department of Health and Exercise Science, Furman University, Greenville
1 Address correspondence to Daniela B. Friedman, PhD, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208. E-mail: dbfriedman{at}sc.edu
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Abstract |
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Purpose: Evidence suggests that physical activity and healthy diets may help to maintain cognitive function, reducing risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Using a cross-cultural focus, we describe older adults’ awareness about cognitive health, and their ideas about how to inform and motivate others to engage in activities that may maintain brain health. Design and Methods: Nineteen focus groups were conducted in 3 states (California, North Carolina, South Carolina) with 177 adults aged 50 years and older. Six groups were with African Americans (AAs), 4 with Chinese, 3 with Vietnamese, 4 with non-Hispanic Whites, and 2 with American Indians (AIs). A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Many participants did not recall reading or hearing about brain health in the media. Participants recommended a multimedia approach to inform others about brain health. Both interpersonal and social/group motivational strategies were suggested. Word of mouth and testimonials were recommended most often by Chinese and Vietnamese. AAs and AIs suggested brain health education at church; AAs, Chinese, and Vietnamese said brain health slogans should be spiritual. Participants’ perceived barriers to seeking brain health information included watching too much TV and confusing media information. Implications: Findings on communication strategies for reaching racial/ethnic groups with brain health information will help guide message and intervention development for diverse older adults.
Keywords: Cognitive health, Ethnicity, Culture, Mass media, Health communication
Received June 30, 2008; Accepted September 23, 2008
Decision Editor: Joseph Sharkey, PhD, MPH, RD
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