Work

Slow public health: a temporal-relational framework for migration and aging in the Global South

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Population aging and migration represent two of the most profound demographic transformations shaping the Global South. Conventional public health approaches have typically relied on standardized interventions and measurable outcomes, yet such frameworks often fail to capture the temporal, relational, and contextual dimensions affecting aging populations. This perspective introduces "Slow Public Health" as a temporal-relational framework for public health practice in migration and aging contexts. Building on the Slow Movement, Slow Medicine, life-course thinking, and asset-based community development, it emphasizes longitudinal engagement, community capability, and appropriately paced action-not delayed action-rather than rapid but short-lived interventions. The framework recognizes that trust, adaptation, and community participation take time, while urgent risks demand swift responses. It also highlights temporal depth, relational continuity, and community wisdom in regions affected by youth out-migration and rapid demographic aging.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1900909

Authors: Miroslava Tokovska, Jozef Suvada

Institutions: Høyskolen Kristiania, Vysoká Škola Zdravotníctva a Sociálnej Práce sv. Alžbety

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues

Subfield: Life-span and Life-course Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801