The state Office for the Aging, state Department of Health and Dr. Melicent R. Miller of Health Forward LLC have partnered on a four-part self-directed learning series to equip providers with the tools to overcome health disparities among diverse populations of older adults.

Health Disparities in the Aging: A Four-Part Learning Series is part of a comprehensive effort to address disparities at all levels of aging services in communities across New York State, from program design to daily client interactions and engagement.

The state Office for the Aging pointed to data on the growing diversity of older adult populations in New York, emphasizing the need for engagement efforts that reflect the diversity of communities. According to the 2017 American Community Survey, more than 23% of the state’s total population is foreign-born, with 27% of the older-adult population being foreign born. From 2000 to 2010, the state’s minority population age 60 and over grew by 43%, compared to 8% for the non-minority population, according to U.S. Census data. Between 2020 and 2030, the growth rate for 60-and-over minority populations is expected to be 30% compared to 5% for the non-minority population age 60 and over.

Health Disparities in the Aging: A Four-Part Learning Series consists of four mini-modules supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities initiative.

Each of the self-guided mini-modules is 20 minutes in length, equipping aging services professionals in all settings with knowledge and concrete strategies to address health disparities and meet the needs of the diverse older adults in their community. It is designed for all aging services providers and their staff, from individuals who directly interact with clients to organizational leaders who make important decisions about community services and supports.

They include:

¯ Module 1: Health Disparities in the Aging – An Introduction to Health Equity

¯ Module 2: Health Disparities in the Aging – Health Equity, A Deeper Look

¯ Module 3: Health Disparities in the Aging – Partnership

¯ Module 4: Health Disparities in the Aging – Reaching Populations

View the series at aging.ny.gov/health-disparities-aging-four-part-learning-series.