The 2020 Census revealed that the United States’ population is more ethnically diverse than ever before. According to the Census Bureau, the chance that two randomly chosen people are of different racial or ethnic groups has increased to 61.1%, a rise from 54.9% at the 2010 Census. This “Diversity Index,” in addition to other information collected at the Census, helps us see the richness of our nation’s diversity.
This rich diversity is represented on a much smaller scale in older adult communities. Senior living organizations reflect societal trends and are, therefore, vibrant and dynamic places where people from different racial and ethnic groups live alongside one another. By creating spaces where individuals feel embraced and celebrated, older adult communities can become powerful hubs of inclusivity where languages, meals, art, religions, and traditions help everyone feel at home.
Why Cultural Diversity Matters
If you’ve ever read a book or seen a movie where a dystopian society has eliminated individual differences, you’ve seen how boring and conformist society becomes. Sharing our cultural and ethnic differences creates opportunities for learning and enrichment. When we learn the steps and sounds of a Māori haka dance or make Chinese dumplings from scratch, we try new perspectives and build relationships founded on empathy and understanding.
In senior living communities, celebrating cultural diversity may be particularly meaningful for individuals who feel disconnected from families or organizations they belonged to that share their culture. According to the National Institute on Aging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness can help older adults stay mentally and physically well and can even reduce serious health risks such as heart disease, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Welcoming Older Adults’ Cultural Traditions in Senior Living Communities
One of the best ways to celebrate the cultural diversity in your community is by inviting residents to share traditions. Activity directors can organize this tradition-sharing in a variety of ways:
- Inviting all cultural groups represented in the community to host an event that involves sharing cultural celebrations and traditions. If possible, align these events with significant moments in the culture’s calendar: Chinese New Year (usually January or February), Rosh Hashanah (September or October), Día de Muertos (October or November), Juneteenth (June 19), etc.
- Organizing a community-wide cultural festival showcasing arts and crafts, food, dance, and ceremonies representative of the community’s many cultures. This is a great way to provide interaction, entertainment, and education all at once.
- Offering various “culture classes” led by residents. Residents can teach their peers about important topics or events relevant to their culture, such as the background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the reasons for the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Middle East’s investment in acquiring world-class sports teams, the impact of oil drilling on Indigenous land, and more.
- Hosting open discussions or panels where residents can have respectful cross-cultural conversations on current events. Community members may have personal memories or experiences to share that can bring an important layer of humanity to build empathy.
- Using resources such as News Currents Sr., which is designed specifically for an older adult audience and includes a discussion guide in every weekly issue, helps facilitate group discussions where residents gain intellectual stimulation in addition to beneficial social interaction.
Culturally Inclusive Responses to Current Events
Living in diverse communities means accepting that there will inevitably be moments that are challenging. What’s most important in these times is to lead with an empathy-first approach that humanizes issues such as racism, religion, and politics.
Set an example by celebrating cultural diversity on a daily basis. This could look like:
- Ensuring that the community’s activity calendar is reflective of the community’s diversity (religious holidays, heritage months, etc.).
- Encouraging residents to share their traditions with their peers, in formal or informal ways.
- Offering cultural competency training so all residents and staff can understand and appreciate the diverse experiences and backgrounds of every community member. Cultural competence can also help ensure people feel psychologically safe in their environment, amplifying their sense of fair and respectful treatment.
- Demonstrating inclusive and respectful communication, such as providing translated versions of written information for adults who prefer to read in languages other than English.
Strength in Diversity
Appreciating and celebrating cultural diversity in senior living communities creates an engaging environment where residents feel safe to be their authentic selves and respected in their interactions with others. By creating thoughtful and intentional opportunities for older adults to share their unique traditions and cultures, activity directors can help make senior living communities truly feel like home.