#020 - With COVID rates on the rise, and African American and Latinx folks 2-3 times more likely to have COVID than White Americans, I wanted to bring an expert on the podcast today to share a little bit about why there is this health disparity and what we can do to reduce this disparity, protect ourselves, our families, and strengthen our community in the midst of COVID.

Before we get started, I want to acknowledge that COVID is lasting longer than many of us anticipated. If you're an older adult, or caring for an older adult during COVID, download the free COVID-19 Wellness Guide for Older Adults. It'll help you weather this storm. 

Here’s a look inside my interview with Dr. Monique Williams:

• [05:04] Dr. Williams describes her person-centered approach to practicing medicine in outpatient primary care with older adults.
• [09:55] For most of us, our life's passion is not realized until after Kindergarten, but this was not the case for Dr. Williams. Dr. Williams' interest in geriatric medicine started very early.
• [13:33] Unfortunately, there are many health disparities that disproportionately affect African Americans. Dr. Williams discusses some of these disparities and shares what is contributing to these disparities. 
• [22:31] To scientists researching topics in minority communities, Dr. Williams asks important questions, like: "Do clinicians and researchers have a commitment to the community? Are they going to actually engage with the community in a sustained manner? Or do they simply get what they want and then leave?"Listen to Dr. Williams' recommendations for minority research.
• [24:37] Learn about one community's efforts to systematize COVID response and testing
• [27:34]  Dr. Williams shares her recommendations for older adults surrounding COVID-19.
• [33:29] Senior care communities have been disproportionately impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, ranging from high rates of COVID in some communities to high rate of isolation in others. Dr. Williams shares tips for senior care communities.
• [37:52] Dr. Williams describes her personal experience of overcoming COVID and shares an important message.

Click here to listen!

Help older adults stay mentally well during COVID-19. Download the FREE COVID-19 WELLNESS GUIDE for Older Adults!

Check out the show notes here!


Rate and Review Psychology of Aging Podcast with Dr. Regina Koepp

If you're on Apple Podcasts, help me help others by rating and reviewing my show. Reviews let others- just like you- care for the older adults in their lives.

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