Diversity Among Persons Living With SMI: A Focus on Older Adults-View Presentation Slides

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The document outlines a webinar hosted by the American Psychiatric Association, focusing on diversity among older adults living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), presented by Dr. Crystal M. Glover. The presentation explored various aspects of aging with SMI, emphasizing the importance of culturally compatible and aging-friendly care approaches.<br /><br />Dr. Crystal M. Glover, affiliated with the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, has no financial conflicts of interest besides her board membership at Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers. Her webinar aimed to educate participants on biopsychosocial factors associated with aging in the context of SMI, potential cognitive changes, and strategies to provide culturally sensitive care.<br /><br />Key topics included demographic changes, the impact of age on diverse populations, and the challenges older adults with SMI face, like cognitive decline and social isolation. The document highlights the reality of premature mortality among individuals with SMI, who may not often reach older age, largely due to cardiovascular and other co-morbidities.<br /><br />Dr. Glover underscored the intersectionality within aging populations, noting that socially disadvantaged groups, including ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ communities, face additional health disparities. Specific cognitive challenges were identified, such as dementia prevalence differences among racial groups and the increased vulnerability of sexual and gender minorities to cognitive decline.<br /><br />Strategies for improvement encompassed both systemic interventions, like developing culturally competent care models, and individual actions, like engaging in social activities to mitigate cognitive decline. These approaches aim to improve resilience, coping strategies, and quality of life for aging individuals with SMI. Collaborative efforts like the CATCH-ON initiative were promoted as essential for an effective geriatric health workforce.<br /><br />The webinar was part of a continuing education series, offering credits for various healthcare professionals, with materials available for further learning and Q&A opportunities with experts in the field.

Keywords

Serious Mental Illness

diversity

older adults

culturally sensitive care

cognitive decline

health disparities

intersectionality

biopsychosocial factors

culturally competent care

geriatric health workforce