| Biography | |
|---|---|
 Prof. HAI Luo University of Manitoba, Canada |
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| Title: How is Active Aging practiced in remote rural areas: An example of later life in Indigenous villages in Taiwan | |
| Abstract: While many cultures generally uphold a respectful attitude toward older adults, many of them experience poverty and financial marginalization, which could lead to factors that negatively impact on active aging. Appling ethnographic methods, the researcher aimed at exploring the episteme (i.e., understanding and/or perceptions) and practice of active aging (WHO, 2002) among older adults of indigenous cultural backgrounds in remote rural areas. Data were gathered mainly in two Indigenous villages in South Taiwan from January to June 2018. The research involved prolonged observations as well as in-person interviews with 27 individuals. Support and barriers were both found in examining the major components of the active aging framework (physical environment, social determinants, behavioral and economic determinants, and health and social services) in remote rural areas. Indigenous views on aging and death were also examined to further understand the relationship between values and practice in Indigenous older adults’ lives. The results could serve as guidelines when designing and delivering social services to Indigenous older adults. Different generations revealed varied views related to later life. Policy makers and service providers should consider emerging and different need and expectations in order populations in order for effective service establishment and delivery. | |
| Biography: Dr. Hai Luo’s work addresses social and health issues of older adults of diverse cultural backgrounds and the implications to social theory and social work practice. Her research and publications includes cross-cultural aging, Indigenous older adults and aging, sexuality and older adults, gambling in older adults, elder abuse, and social capital and social support for older adults. She currently is involved in local and international projects to study cross-cultural active aging, cultural minority and Indigenous older adults in global aging, and transformation of nursing home. Dr. Luo is active in gerontological education in higher education and international teaching and research collaboration. She co-founded and facilitates a Gerontological Social Work Group (GSWG) for local social workers and graduate students and an International Network for Indigenous Aging (INIA) for interested international scholars and practitioners. | |
