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Symposium

Behavioral and Social Sciences

Novel Behavioral Health Approaches for Older Adults in Underserved Communities

Saturday, November 11, 2023
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
Location: Room 115

Chronic conditions and related stressors among older adults are leading drivers of disability, morbidity, and healthcare costs in the US. Underserved communities have the highest rates of chronic conditions and are at the greatest risk for negative health outcomes. Novel behavioral health approaches are needed to address barriers faced by these communities (e.g., stigma, discrimination, structural inequalities) that exacerbate health disparities. Consistent with the GSA 2023 theme, this symposium will showcase multidisciplinary initiatives to build bridges to clinical care, catalyze community-engaged research, and empower underserved older adults. Presenter 1 will present the protocol, preliminary results, and “lessons learned” recruiting ethnoracially diverse older adults for a fully-powered efficacy RCT (target N=260) of Active Brains, a virtual group mind-body walking program aided by Fitbit targeting comorbid chronic pain and early cognitive decline. Presenter 2 will present focus groups with patient and medical provider stakeholders to culturally adapt a mind-body activity program (GetActive) for disadvantaged older adults with chronic pain in community clinics. Presenter 3 will present the rationale, design, and challenges of an RCT testing the effectiveness of a peer support program (Peer Enhanced Depression Care) to alleviate depressive symptoms in ethnoracially diverse and/or low-income older adults (N=160). Presenter 4 will present a stakeholder-partnered approach to equitable home care for older adults and caregivers in diverse communities by eliminating transportation-related barriers. The Discussant will contextualize these initiatives in the broader field of gerontology and share research from their Roybal Center to engage community agencies and ethnoracially diverse older adults.

Learning Objectives:

  • After attending this session, participants will understand the unique challenges and behavioral health needs of diverse older adults from underserved communities.
  • After attending this session, participants will be able to describe the design, current evidence, and application of several behavioral intervention trials for diverse older adults in different underserved communities.
  • After attending this session, participants will be able to identify technologies and models of care that can support behavioral health treatment and increase access.

Presentations:

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
    Addressing Comorbid Chronic Pain and Early Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: The Active Brains Efficacy Trial

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Ryan A. Mace, PhD – Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
    Addressing the Chronic Pain Epidemic Among Older Adults in Underserved Community Health Centers

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Ana-Maria Vranceanu, PhD (she/her/hers) – Massachusetts General Hospital

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
    Increasing the Repertoire for Depression Care: Peer Support as Depression Care for Vulnerable Older Adults

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jinhui Joo, MD MA (she/her/hers) – Masschusetts General Hospital

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
    A Stakeholder-Partnered Approach to Inequities Affecting Home Health Care Workers, Older Adults, and Caregivers

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Olivia I. Okereke, MD, MS (she/her/hers) – Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School