HomeMy WebLinkAboutworking-programs-afghan-elderly-associationAfghan Elderly Association
Presented by:
Arezo Sayid, MPH
Promoting Wellness Among Afghan Refugee and
Immigrant Older Adults:
An Integrative, Peer-Based Model
Arezo Sayid, MPH and Najia Hamid, Executive Director
Afghan Elderly Association
A Brief History of
Afghan Refugees and Immigrants
2.7 million refugees and
immigrants displaced due to
violent conflicts in Afghanistan.
An estimated 12,000 Afghans
reside in Fremont and the San
Francisco-Bay Area
Barriers
Isolation, poverty, chronic
health and mental health
Language, culture,
discrimination
Lack of access or knowledge of
services
AEA -A Grassroots Effort
1995 –AEA founded by Najia
Hamid, AEA Executive Director
1998 –grows from 8 to 500; non-
profit status
2000 –launch of Healthy Aging
Program
2006 Launch Taraqi Dehendai
Sehat Health Promotion Program
Early Success
5 health promoters trained
Increase socialization
Increased exercise; decreased falls
Decrease ER & hospitalization
81% accessed health care
AEA Programs and Mission
AEA works to improve the well-being of
Afghan elders in the Bay Area
1.Increase access to community and supportive services
2.Improve mental and physical health
3.Improve the overall quality of life
AEA Programs are
Adapted to meet the specific
cultural, linguistic and spiritual
needs of Afghans
Holistic: integrating multiple
components of a “good life.”
Health condition
Health/Medications
Nutrition/Exercise
Socialization
Emotional Support
Community Support
Results-Based Accountability and Outcomes
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Have primary
MD
Improved
wellness
goals
Improved
knowledge of
meds
Requested
services
received
Continued Success
161 Afghan seniors clients served
84 clients received medication
education
45 clients developed wellness goals
132 clients assisted with accessing
services
58 clients participated in health
education