Star Tribune
by Connie Nelson

Joan Griffin has a warning for us: It’s coming. Griffin, an associate professor of health services research at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, said the silver tsunami heading our way will bring with it a caregiving crisis. As our population ages, families will be challenged to take responsibility for care that was once offered by professionals in clinics and hospitals. We talked with Griffin about why caregiving has been women’s work, the risks and benefits of being a caregiver and what older adults can do.

Reach: The Star Tribune Sunday circulation is 518,745 copies and weekday circulation is 300,277. The Star Tribune is the state’s largest newspaper and ranks 16th nationally in circulation.

Context: Joan Grifin, Ph.D., is a Mayo Clinic researcher who studies social and behavioral determinants of health, especially as they affect women, family caregivers and underserved populations.  Her work includes both qualitative and quantitative research to promote health care practices that can improve patient and family health and quality of life. Dr. Griffin also directs a research program that aims to develop, test and share transformative strategies that can optimize patient experiences and outcomes by improving how health care is delivered. You can read more about her research here.

Contact:  Kelley Luckstein

Tags: aging population, caregiving, Dr. Joan Griffin, Star Tribune, Uncategorized