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Au A, Murad-Kassam S, Mukanoheli V, Idrees S, Ben Mabrouk E, Abdi K, Kennedy M, Whitfield K, Salma J. Immigrant Older Adults' Experiences of Aging in Place and Their Neighborhoods: A Qualitative Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:904. [PMID: 39063481 PMCID: PMC11277252 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Engaging in one's neighborhood fosters independence, promotes social connectedness, improves quality of life, and increases life expectancy in older adults. There is a lack of evidence synthesis on immigrant older adults' neighborhood perceptions and experiences, essential for addressing neighborhood-level influences on aging in place. This study systematically synthesizes qualitative evidence on immigrant older adults' perceptions and experiences of their neighborhoods. A comprehensive search was conducted from inception to 5 April 2023, in multiple databases. This review considered studies including immigrant older adults aged ≥60 years, included studies from any country where the neighborhood was the focus, and only considered qualitative data while excluding review studies, theoretical publications, and protocols. Eligible studies were appraised using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. The Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesize findings, and the ConQual approach established confidence in the synthesis. A total of 30 studies were included. Most studies were conducted in North America and explored phenomena such as aging in place, social capital, social cohesion, sense of community, and life satisfaction. Key contextual factors were walkable safe access to social spaces, accessible transportation to amenities, social cohesion with neighbors, and pre-migration neighborhood experiences. Immigrant older adults have varied experiences related to their sense of belonging and social cohesion. Factors such as racial discrimination, feeling unsafe, and social isolation contributed to negative perceptions. This review highlights the need for inclusive neighborhoods that align with the needs and values of immigrant older adults aging in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia Au
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.M.-K.); (V.M.); (S.I.); (E.B.M.); (K.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Sadaf Murad-Kassam
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.M.-K.); (V.M.); (S.I.); (E.B.M.); (K.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Vestine Mukanoheli
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.M.-K.); (V.M.); (S.I.); (E.B.M.); (K.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Sobia Idrees
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.M.-K.); (V.M.); (S.I.); (E.B.M.); (K.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Esra Ben Mabrouk
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.M.-K.); (V.M.); (S.I.); (E.B.M.); (K.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Khadija Abdi
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.M.-K.); (V.M.); (S.I.); (E.B.M.); (K.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Megan Kennedy
- Geoffrey & Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
| | - Kyle Whitfield
- Faculty of Science, School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Jordana Salma
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.M.-K.); (V.M.); (S.I.); (E.B.M.); (K.A.); (J.S.)
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Jiang Y, Li M, Chung T. Living alone and all-cause mortality in community-dwelling older adults: The moderating role of perceived neighborhood cohesion. Soc Sci Med 2023; 317:115568. [PMID: 36442301 PMCID: PMC9839549 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The adverse effect of living alone on health has been well-documented in community-dwelling older adults. A less understood topic in this research area is whether some neighborhood characteristics may mitigate the negative impact of living alone on health outcomes and mortality. This study aimed to extend the existing work on living arrangements and health by examining the potential interactive effect of living alone and perceived neighborhood cohesion on all-cause mortality among older Chinese Americans. METHODS Data were drawn from 3154 (58.0% female) participants from a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling US older Chinese adults aged 60 and older in the greater Chicago area. Living arrangements and perceived neighborhood cohesion were assessed at baseline from 2011 to 2013. Mortality status was tracked through December 2021. Covariates, including sociodemographic characteristics, health and behavioral covariates, loneliness, depression, and social engagement, were assessed at baseline. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to test our hypotheses. RESULTS Living alone was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality among participants reporting low levels of perceived neighborhood cohesion but not among those reporting high levels of perceived neighborhood cohesion. This protective effect of perceived neighborhood cohesion was robust to the inclusion of covariates. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that strong perceived neighborhood cohesion may protect against the increased risk of premature mortality associated with living alone in community-dwelling older Chinese Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Jiang
- Center for Population Behavioral Health, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.
| | - Mengting Li
- Department of Social Security, School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Tammy Chung
- Center for Population Behavioral Health, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Wang Y, Guo M, Liu J, Lou Y, Carter K, Dong XQ. Neighborhood Environment and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Older Immigrants in the U.S.: The Mediation Effects of Coping Resources. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:1278-1288. [PMID: 35583246 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Studies have shown that neighborhood environment shapes older Americans' aging experience and health. However, it remains largely unknown whether and how neighborhood environment influences the wellbeing of older Asian Immigrants. Guided by the neighborhood stress process model, this study aims to investigate 1) the associations between neighborhood environmental stressors and depression among Chinese older immigrants, and 2) the potential mediation effects of intrapersonal (sense of mastery, sense of hopefulness) and interpersonal coping (social engagement) resources in such associations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study analyzed data collected from 2,801 Chinese older immigrants in the greater Chicago area. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with bootstrap resampling was used to fit path models on neighborhood environmental stressor, intra- and interpersonal coping resources, and depression. RESULTS Findings showed that neighborhood social disintegration and physical disorder were associated with more depressive symptoms directly and indirectly via lower intra- and inter-personal coping resources. Specifically, older immigrants living in neighborhoods with greater social disintegration reported lower sense of mastery and social engagement, which in turn were associated with more depressive symptoms (partial mediation). Older immigrants living in neighborhoods with greater physical disorder reported lower sense of hopefulness and mastery, which subsequently were associated with more depressive symptoms (full mediation). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The findings showed that neighborhood environmental stressors are risk factors for mental health of older Chinese immigrants and coping resources may serve as pathways of the associations. The implications for future research and practice were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- University of Iowa, School of Social Work, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Man Guo
- University of Iowa, School of Social Work, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jinyu Liu
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Yifan Lou
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Kara Carter
- University of Iowa, School of Social Work, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Xin Qi Dong
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Yang M, Suanpong K, Ruangkanjanases A, Yu W, Xu H. Development and Validity Test of Social Attachment Multidimensional Scale. Front Psychol 2022; 12:757777. [PMID: 35058839 PMCID: PMC8763980 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.757777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social attachment can explain well the bond between users and social media, but existing research lacks measures of social attachment scales. To this end, this study takes attachment theory as the basis for scale development. On the basis of the development of multidimensional scales for adult, brand, and local attachment, it combines existing relevant studies on social attachment, selects three representative social media such as TikTok, WeChat, and MicroBlog as theoretical samples, explores the concept and structure of social attachment, and develops a social attachment scale through qualitative interviews and open-ended questionnaires. This study applied SPSS 24.0 and Mplus 7.0 to test the social attachment scale. The findings reveal that social attachment consists of three constructs: social connection, social dependence and social identity, and the scale possesses high reliability and validity. This study has developed and validated a social attachment scale in the context of social software use, realizing a quantitative study of social attachment and providing a basis for future empirical research related to social attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosheng Yang
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Kwanrat Suanpong
- Chulalongkorn Business School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Wei Yu
- School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongyu Xu
- Finance Office, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
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Choi LLS, Jung P, Harder M, Zhang K. What Matters Most to Older Chinese Adults. J Transcult Nurs 2021; 33:169-177. [PMID: 34696642 PMCID: PMC8902025 DOI: 10.1177/10436596211053655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although an abundance of gerontological research has focused on subjective well-being, quality of life, and life satisfaction, we know little about what matters most to older adults in sub-cultural groups. The purpose of this study was to explore what matters to older Chinese adults. Methods: The study used a qualitative interpretive design, drawing influences from phenomenology and constructed meaning through participants’ lived experiences. Results: After data analysis, a core theme of cultural foundations and categorical themes emerged. This study emphasized the importance of hearing the voices of Chinese older adults and how they viewed well-being, quality of life, life satisfaction, and health care. Discussion: The findings of this study have added to the body of existing knowledge of what matters most to older adults. These insights may advance nursing as it pertains to culturally congruent health care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piera Jung
- Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marti Harder
- Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kelly Zhang
- Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Ho HC, Fong KNK, Chan TC, Shi Y. The associations between social, built and geophysical environment and age-specific dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city. Int J Health Geogr 2020; 19:53. [PMID: 33276778 PMCID: PMC7716506 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-020-00252-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although socio-environmental factors which may affect dementia have widely been studied, the mortality of dementia and socio-environmental relationships among older adults have seldom been discussed. Method A retrospective, observational study based on territory-wide register-based data was conducted to evaluate the relationships of four individual-level social measures, two community-level social measures, six short-term (temporally varying) environmental measures, and four long-term (spatially varying) environmental measures with dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city (Hong Kong), for the following decedents: (1) all deaths: age >= 65, (2) “old-old”: age > = 85, (3) “mid-old”: aged 75–84, and (4) “young-old”: aged 65–74. Results This study identified 5438 deaths (3771 old-old; 1439 mid-old; 228 young-old) from dementia out of 228,600 all-cause deaths among older adults in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2014. Generally, regional air pollution, being unmarried or female, older age, and daily O3 were associated with higher dementia mortality, while more urban compactness and greenness were linked to lower dementia mortality among older adults. Specifically, being unmarried and the age effect were associated with higher dementia mortality among the “old-old”, “mid-old” and “young-old”. Regional air pollution was linked to increased dementia mortality, while urban compactness and greenness were associated with lower dementia mortality among the “old-old” and “mid-old”. Higher daily O3 had higher dementia mortality, while districts with a greater percentage of residents whose native language is not Cantonese were linked to lower dementia mortality among the “old-old”. Economic inactivity was associated with increased dementia mortality among the “young-old”. Gender effect varied by age. Conclusion The difference in strengths of association of various factors with dementia mortality among different age groups implies the need for a comprehensive framework for community health planning. In particular, strategies for air quality control, usage of greenspace and social space, and activity engagement to reduce vulnerability at all ages are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Chak Ho
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kenneth N K Fong
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ta-Chien Chan
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan Shi
- Institute of Future Cities, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhang Z, Qiu Z. Exploring Daily Activity Patterns on the Typical Day of Older Adults for Supporting Aging-in-Place in China's Rural Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228416. [PMID: 33202990 PMCID: PMC7696971 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe aging in rural China is prompting communities to promote support for older people to age in place. The study of the daily life of older adults in rural areas is conducive to understanding their real life and demands, as well as the way they interact with their environment, to develop feasible strategies. In this study, 171 older adults over 60 years old in two different types of villages in Northern Zhejiang Province were investigated and analyzed in terms of the temporal and spatial features of daily activities, as well as their relationship with population attributes, personal competence, and subjective demands. The results show that: (1) significant association can be seen between working hours and the demand for health services, housework hours and gender and age, as well as leisure hours and ADL and the demand for recreational services. (2) The older adults appear to have inter-group homogeneity in some aspects: basic living activities, leisure hours, the gender difference in housework hours, and recreational preference, while they have higher average paid work hours and fewer leisure alternatives than their urban counterparts. Their definitions of paid work, housework, and leisure activities are vague. (3) The definition of home by the older adults in rural places sometimes seems to go beyond the scope of their own house, and the extensive definition of home may change their recognitions of some activities. They also inclined to assign meaning to a place through frequent use rather than through external definitions. (4) The weak consciousness on buying services and deteriorated financial situation hinders the older adults in rural communities from expressing their real demands. Unspoken demands include economic security, recreational choices, and assistance in housework. The results will help to provide references for the improvement of eldercare services and the community environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Zhang
- School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zhi Qiu
- Institute of Architectural Design and Theoretical Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China;
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Affiliation(s)
- J-P Michel
- Jean-Pierre Michel, Medical University of Geneva, Switzerland,
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