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Symposium

Social Research, Policy, and Practice

Ethnicity and Well-Being Among Older Immigrants in Diverse Sociocultural Contexts

Thursday, November 14, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
Location: Room 619
CE: 1.5

The critical interaction between culture, ethnicity, and social determinants of health is a vital area of study, particularly regarding the unique experiences of ethnocultural minority older adults. The complex intersections of these factors across diverse social landscapes are ripe for investigation to uncover inequalities and inform targeted strategies to reduce the inequalities encountered by these groups. This symposium presents four key studies that examine the well-being, healthcare access, and civic participation of aging Asian immigrants, with a focus on South Asian populations in Hong Kong and Canada, as well as Chinese communities in Canada and the United States. These studies highlight the need for culturally congruent interventions. They emphasise the challenges faced in health and mental health service accessibility and the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within civic involvement. Critical factors such as the quality of intergenerational relationships, the breadth and depth of social capital, language skills, transportation availability, financial dependencies, and the impact of pre-migration histories are shown to significantly affect the lives and civic engagement of aging Asian immigrants. The research presented here strongly advocates for culturally attuned policies and practices. It underscores an imperative for health promotion, healthcare accessibility, and civic inclusion that are responsive to the cultural identities and preferences of diverse older populations. The findings of these studies are critical to the development of targeted interventions, public policies and supportive frameworks that address the unique needs and overcome the barriers faced by ageing migrants around the world.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the importance of understanding the unique social dynamics, cultural contexts, and challenges faced by aging Asian immigrants in promoting their well-being, health care access, and civic engagement.
  • Identify key factors that influence the quality of life, access to health and mental health services, and civic participation among aging Asian immigrants, such as social capital, language proficiency, transportation, financial dependence, and pre-migration experiences.
  • 3. Discuss the implications of these findings for developing culturally sensitive interventions, public policies, and support systems that address the unique needs and challenges of diverse aging populations across the world.

Presentations:

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    The Effect of Social Capital and Ethnicity on the Well-Being of Older Adults in Hong Kong

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Daniel W.L. Lai, PhD (he/him/his) – Hong Kong Baptist University

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    Barriers to Access Health and Mental Health Services Among South Asian Older Adults

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Janki Shankar, PhD (she/her/hers) – University of Calgary

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    The Impact of Culture on Civic Engagement of Aging Asian Immigrants: Findings From a Mixed Study in Edmonton, Canada

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Hongmei Tong, PhD (she/her/hers) – MacEwan University

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    Grandparent–Grandchild Asian American Reminiscence: Intergenerational and Cultural Reflection

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Ling Xu, PhD, MSW, FGSA (she/her/hers) – The University of Texas at Arlington