Breaking down cultural barriers in health

13 Jul 2010

As part of a health awareness campaign, a number of health promoting organisations have partnered with the Commonwealth Government, to promote health living to South Australia’s elderly, non English speaking population.

Adelaide’s multicultural radio station 5EBI 103.1 FM is being used to spread the word on how to maintain your health, in several languages, including Vietnamese, Cambodian, Spanish and Filipino.

The campaign will run until December 2010. 

Helping Hand Aged Care, in partnership with Ethnic Link, created this campaign to help break down the language and cultural barriers that sometimes stand in the way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

When information is translated into a person’s first language they have a better understanding on how they can maintain their own wellbeing and minimized health risks.  Translated health information is not commonly available.

Many non English speaking elderly people rely heavily on their families to interpret for them, due to the complexity and importance of health services.  This can be confusing and sometimes lead to a feeling that they have lost control on their ability to manage their own health.

This campaign aims to ensure that individuals have the knowledge to be able to make better health decisions, which will assist them maintain their independence longer.
This project was funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing Sharing Health Care Initiative.

For more information about the specific health tips contact the Towards Community Inclusion Program.

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