Rallo Melissa, Leahy Nicholas, Vetack Alexis, Konduru Hima, Bailey Shania, Pedersen Lillianna, Wan Christine, Mora Wendel, Rowthorn Virginia, Gupta Shailvi, Faerron Guzmán Carlos
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Centro Interamericano para la Salud Global (CISG), Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Ann Glob Health. 2025 Jan 29;91(1):8. doi: 10.5334/aogh.4544. eCollection 2025.
Indigenous communities grapple with unique challenges in the aging process, often encountering amplified barriers to healthcare and resources, possibly due to their remote locations and distinct cultural backgrounds. Limited research exists on aging within Costa Rica's Ngäbe‑Buglé Indigenous community, particularly the La Casona community in Coto Brus. This study explores the aging experience of the Ngäbe‑Buglé community in La Casona, aiming to identify challenges and potential resources to enhance the quality of life and aging experience for elderly community members. This qualitative study utilized semi‑structured interviews to collect data from 14 elderly participants (6 female, 8 male), aged 52-90 years, living in the La Casona community. Participants were selected through purposeful snowball sampling techniques, and individual interviews were conducted at their residences. Interviews were conducted with assistance from an interpreter and lasted approximately 30-60 minutes. Thematic analysis was used to examine participants' responses to understand their experiences with aging. Three primary themes emerged: economic difficulties, insufficient social support, and cultural aspects related to La Casona. Among the three primary themes were a total of eight subcategories. Economic challenges encompassed financial constraints and food insecurity, housing and infrastructure needs, and difficulties in accessing healthcare. Insufficient social support was evident through heavy reliance on family, limited community aid, and an absence of engaging activities. Cultural aspects highlighted the community's deep connection to nature and concerns about the fading cultural heritage among younger generations. These themes collectively contribute to the challenges confronted by elderly adults in the Ngäbe‑Buglé community. Improving healthcare access, enhancing social interactions, and preserving cultural heritage are essential when it comes to improving the aging experience in La Casona. The following participant discussions provide insight into public health interventions. Addressing these issues will require governmental support and policy changes aimed at uplifting the Ngäbe‑Buglé community.
原住民社区在老龄化过程中面临着独特的挑战，由于地处偏远和文化背景独特，他们在获得医疗保健和资源方面往往遇到更多障碍。关于哥斯达黎加恩加贝-布勒原住民社区（特别是科托布鲁斯的拉卡索纳社区）的老龄化研究有限。本研究探讨了拉卡索纳恩加贝-布勒社区的老龄化经历，旨在确定挑战和潜在资源，以提高社区老年成员的生活质量和老龄化体验。这项定性研究采用半结构化访谈，从居住在拉卡索纳社区的14名老年参与者（6名女性，8名男性）中收集数据，年龄在52至90岁之间。参与者通过有目的的滚雪球抽样技术选取，并在他们的住所进行个人访谈。访谈在一名口译员的协助下进行，持续约30至60分钟。采用主题分析法来研究参与者的回答，以了解他们的老龄化经历。出现了三个主要主题：经济困难、社会支持不足以及与拉卡索纳相关的文化方面。在这三个主要主题中共有八个子类别。经济挑战包括资金限制和粮食不安全、住房和基础设施需求以及获得医疗保健的困难。社会支持不足表现为严重依赖家庭、社区援助有限以及缺乏有意义的活动。文化方面突出了社区与自然的紧密联系以及对年轻一代文化遗产逐渐消失的担忧。这些主题共同构成了恩加贝-布勒社区老年人所面临的挑战。在改善拉卡索纳的老龄化体验方面，改善医疗保健服务、加强社会互动以及保护文化遗产至关重要。以下参与者讨论为公共卫生干预提供了见解。解决这些问题需要政府的支持和旨在提升恩加贝-布勒社区的政策变革。
