Date of Award

1-1-2015

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Yale University School of Nursing

First Advisor

Ruth McCorkle

Abstract

Background: Israel is among the nations with the fastest growing older adult population in the world, due to Baby Boomer aging, high immigration rates, and high life expectancies. The country is mandated to provide health coverage to all citizens, but it has historically been poorly equipped to provide geriatric health care. Israel's elders include numerous minorities and special groups, and despite research of many groups over decades, disparities continue to exist. Methods: A descriptive analysis of special geriatric populations and their health issues was performed based on national and international literature, government reports, and statistics. Results: Five research-based unique populations were identified in this article including immigrants, specifically immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Holocaust survivors, Arabs, and Haredi/ultra-Orthodox Jews. Populations were selected based on unique needs and/or significant anticipated growth. Language, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers were identified in all groups. Other commonalities among most special populations include lower cancer screenings, health care access difficulties, outcome disparities, mental health problems, and insufficient research. Implications: Evidence-based recommendations include development and implementation of culturally appropriate policies and intervention strategies to improve health outcomes, close disparities, and increase access to internet and tele-medicine. Interdisciplinary translational research and appropriation of funding must be prioritized for these vulnerable populations, especially as current health policies do not necessarily translate to culturally appropriate implementation among fragile populations.

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