The Key to Thriving: A Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging

3 Key Factors in the Healthcare of Black Women

As September is Healthy Aging Month, it serves as a great reminder that we will all inevitably age throughout this journey through life. However, the experience of aging can differ significantly depending on various factors, including gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, organization, or individual, there is so much value in taking a holistic approach to healthy aging. By this, I mean considering how physical, mental, and emotional well-being are interconnected and play a vital role in our overall health as we age.

Before we go any further, let’s define what it means to take a holistic approach to healthy aging.

A holistic approach to healthcare involves recognizing that an individual's well-being is influenced by various interconnected physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects.

Rather than merely addressing isolated health concerns, a holistic approach seeks to promote overall wellness by considering the whole person.

Nevertheless, we cannot dismiss the importance of acknowledging the intersectionality of race and health. Black women, in particular, face unique challenges and disparities that can impact their overall well-being as they age. These disparities are rooted in historical injustices, systemic racism, and socioeconomic factors affecting healthcare access and outcomes. We know from the research that access to primary healthcare and health insurance coverage is essential for ensuring people receive the quality of healthcare they deserve (Arquilla, 2021). Thus, providing effective holistic care to Black women requires acknowledging the key factors that play a vital role in the overall health of Black women as they age.

3 Key Factors in the Healthcare of Black Women

Key Factor #1: Physical Well-Being

Physical health is a fundamental component of healthy aging. This involves addressing specific health concerns that may disproportionately affect Black women, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. These conditions can have a profound impact on longevity and quality of life. Research has shown that increasing access to resources to improve physical well-being is critical for reducing disease-related mortality (Wang et al., 2023). 

Hence, healthcare providers must prioritize preventative care, regular check-ups, and screenings to detect and manage these conditions early. Additionally, promoting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nutrient-dense diet, and stress management can significantly contribute to the physical well-being of Black women as they age.

Key Factor #2: Mental Well-Being

Mental health is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in healthy aging. Black women may face unique stressors, including racial discrimination and socio-economic challenges, impacting their mental well-being. These stressors can lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Healthcare providers must be attuned to the mental health needs of Black women and offer culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services. This includes providing therapy, support groups, and resources to address the specific challenges and traumas that Black women may encounter. Further implementing culturally sensitive approaches has been shown in research to contribute to better health outcomes and disease management, which is critical for increasing health equity (Cukier. 2021). 

Key Factor #3: Emotional Well-Being

Emotional well-being is closely intertwined with mental health. Emotional health involves managing emotions, building resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook on life. Emotional well-being is paramount for Black women, who may face unique societal pressures and expectations.

Healthcare providers should foster open and supportive environments where Black women can discuss their emotional health without fear of judgment or stigma. This can be achieved by creating inclusive spaces where all bodies feel welcome (King, 2020). Additionally, offering tools and strategies for coping with stress and maintaining emotional balance can contribute significantly to healthy aging.

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Therefore, taking a holistic approach to healthy aging for Black women is a multifaceted endeavor that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional. Healthcare providers must recognize the unique challenges and disparities that Black women may face and tailor their care accordingly. In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, providers must continue to adapt and refine their approach to ensure everyone has equitable access to the comprehensive care they deserve.

Reference

Arquilla, E. (2021, April 28). What are social determinants of health? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/social-determinants-of-health

Cukier, A. (2021, October 28). Canada’s dietitians are lacking in diversity - but things are changing. Best Health. https://www.besthealthmag.ca/article/dietetics-canada/ 

King, C. (2020, July 10). How to create an inclusive environment in the wellness space. Shape. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/how-to-create-inclusive-environment

Wang, L., Pan X., Munro, H.M., Shrubsole, M.J., & Yu, D. (2023). Consumption of ultra-processed foods and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the Southern Community Cohort Study. Clinical Nutrition, 42(10), 1866-1874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2023.08.012