Reflection

This project has challenged our assumptions about the health needs of the senior population and although accessible and quality healthcare still remains at the forefront of basic care, there are many different variables that contribute to an individual’s overall health and well-being such as family, support, companionship, relationships, housing, safety, and fresh foods.

We were able to expand the dialogue about healthcare through storytelling and using visual images to incite different perspectives and topics about overall well-being. The use of art also facilitated conversation and opened up space for familiarity and trust and allowed the dialogue to extend far beyond physical health and pain.

There is a prominent immigrant community in the Lower East Side and language and culture remain important factors in getting to know and understanding the population’s needs. Other key themes that arose from this collaboration included intergenerational differences with values, beliefs, methodology in treating illness, injuries, and pain. The research collected from our project is only a small glimpse into the topics we have started to explore. We hope that our documentation will help in at least starting the conversation and research into the needs of the communities in the Lower East Side.