ELDERLY CHINESE AND KOREAN IMMIGRANTS AGING IN PLACE IN SENIOR HOUSING

摘要

This study explores aging-in-place (AIP) among elderly Asian immigrants’ living in government-supported senior housing (GSSH). Given increasing numbers of non-English-speaking elderly immigrants in the US, interpretations of AIP represent an important area of study. Observations of 42 Chinese and 17 Korean participants and in-depth interviews (4 staff and 5 older adults) were conducted in GSSH in Ohio. This study provides a rich description of how Asian elderly immigrants understand AIP. Findings show: participants can make satisfactory adjustments to life in GSSH; the familiar Asian cultural context in the SH and neighborhood helps compensate for language barriers; older adults’ quality of life is related to immigration and welfare policies; and family, neighborhoods, and staff play central roles in facilitating AIP. The study suggests that AIP is a dynamic interaction between older adults and their environment. This study provides critical information to deliver culturally sensitive care in the context of AIP.