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Zlotnick C, Dryjanska L. Immigrants' Health, Acculturation, and the Work-Retirement Continuum. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2020; 45:13-22. [PMID: 31984419 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlz039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although the link between immigrants' health status and employment is well established, there is little information on the combined impact of three components of acculturation (that is, dual self-identity, language proficiency, and realized expectations) on this link. Immigrants who came to Israel from English-speaking countries (N = 377) were categorized into three groups based on the work-retirement continuum (that is, working, same occupation; working, changed occupation; or retired). Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined whether the link between health and acculturation varied by immigrants' location on the work-retirement continuum. Bivariate analyses revealed group differences for two acculturation components, language proficiency (p < .0001) and dual self-identity (p < .05). Multivariable analyses indicated an interaction effect between the acculturation component of realized expectations and work-retirement continuum group status on health status. As a result, good health was related to higher levels of realized expectations for the retired group; related to lower levels of realized expectations for the "working, changed occupations" group; and unrelated to realized expectations for the "working, same occupation" group. The acculturation component of realized expectations varies depending on the immigrant's location on the work-retirement continuum. Health and social welfare professionals can promote health in working or retired immigrants by providing clear and realistic information to better align with immigrants' expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Zlotnick
- Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khushi Avenue, Haifa, Mt Carmel 34333 Israel
| | - Laura Dryjanska
- Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
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McGovern J. Improving undergraduate competence in multicultural gerontology practice with fresh pedagogies: A digital storytelling case example. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2019; 40:508-518. [PMID: 29958086 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2018.1489249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Building on a student-led digital storytelling project, the author suggests that expanding definitions of two core constructs of social work education and practice, experiential learning and cultural competence, can improve outcomes for diverse older clients by increasing competence in multicultural gerontology practice. Using a variety of media, digital storytelling focuses on stories that are not often heard, like those of diverse older adults. Student-led projects provide opportunities for students to engage with experiential learning, a high-impact pedagogy. Beyond describing a one-semester digital storytelling project that occurred in an undergraduate gerontology practice course, the article shares findings from the project's evaluation. The evaluation yielded recommendations, such as encouraging social work faculty to provide opportunities for experiential learning across the curriculum, and improving competence in multicultural gerontology practice through creative pedagogies. Ultimately, the author suggests that fresh pedagogical approaches that expand core social work constructs can improve outcomes for diverse older adults by promoting multicultural gerontology practice competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine McGovern
- Lehman College Department of Social Work, The City University of New York , Bronx , USA
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Mukherjea A, Ivey SL, Shariff-Marco S, Kapoor N, Allen L. Overcoming Challenges in Recruitment of South Asians for Health Disparities Research in the USA. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2018; 5:195-208. [PMID: 28364371 PMCID: PMC5640461 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-017-0357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
South Asians-individuals with origins in the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other regions of the subcontinent-are an understudied and at-risk racial/ethnic minority population for disproportionate burden of preventable diseases in the USA. Notwithstanding lack of research disaggregating Asian American subgroups, a key factor in this paucity of data is the lack of participation and engagement of community members in studies which examine distribution and determinants of adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this case study series is to elucidate distinct barriers in recruitment of South Asians in health disparities research within four diverse study designs. These illustrations are followed by a discussion of effective strategies and promising practices to increase and enhance the participation of community members in health-related studies in order to ultimately understand and address disparities among this rapidly growing cultural group in the US systematic collection of data which not only is representative of this understudied population but also elucidates contextual influences on community health and well-being and is pivotal to the reduction and elimination of preventable disparities among South Asians in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Mukherjea
- Health Sciences Program, California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Student and Faculty Support Building 502, Hayward, CA, 94542, USA.
- Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley 2140 Shattuck Ave., 10th Floor, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
- Asian American Research Center on Health, 3333 California St., Suite 335, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA.
| | - Susan L Ivey
- Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley 2140 Shattuck Ave., 10th Floor, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
- Asian American Research Center on Health, 3333 California St., Suite 335, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
| | - Salma Shariff-Marco
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, 2201 Walnut Ave., Suite 300, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA
- Stanford University Cancer Institute, 265 Campus Drive, Suite G2103, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Nilesh Kapoor
- Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley 2140 Shattuck Ave., 10th Floor, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Laura Allen
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, 2201 Walnut Ave., Suite 300, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA
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Caregiving Practice Patterns of Asian, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic White American Family Caregivers of Older Adults Across Generations. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2016; 31:35-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s10823-016-9281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Newcomer elderly immigrants, defined as adults older than the age of 65 who have arrived in the United States in the last 10 years, represent a growing sector of the American population. Newcomers who experience limited English proficiency, financial strain, and acculturative stress are at considerable risk of developing poor health outcomes. Nursing’s focus on healthy aging and aging in place has largely ignored the experiences of these older adults, who are said to be “aging out of place.” This concept analysis uses Rodgers’s evolutionary method to define “aging out of place” and illustrates why existing theories of elderly migration do not necessarily apply to this population. The challenge for nurses is incorporating the family, with whom conflict may arise, into the care of these elders. Community-based strategies that enable social integration and create a greater division of labor in the care of newcomer elders are called for.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin Jun
- New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
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D. Koehn S, Jarvis P, K. Sandhra S, K. Bains S, Addison M. Promoting mental health of immigrant seniors in community. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1108/eihsc-11-2013-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore if and how community organizations providing services to late-in-life Punjabi immigrants in British Columbia, Canada, offer services with the potential to promote their mental health or well-being. The authors also wanted to know how Punjabi seniors perceived available services and if they supported their mental well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
– To guide the research, the authors used the VicHealth Framework, which identifies three overarching social and economic determinants of mental health: social inclusion (SI), freedom from violence and discrimination, and access to economic resources and participation. This mixed methods study combines descriptive survey and qualitative focus group data with input from Punjabi seniors and community service providers.
Findings
– All three mental health determinants were identified as important by service providers and seniors, with SI as the most important. Family dynamics (shaped by migration and sponsorship status) influence all three determinants and can promote or diminish mental well-being.
Research limitations/implications
– The pilot study is limited in sample size and scope and further inquiry with different groups of immigrant older adults is warranted.
Practical implications
– Service providers assert that more outreach and sustainable funding are needed to reach the majority of potential beneficiaries unable to participate in community programmes. Information on mental well-being of seniors should be targeted at both seniors and their families.
Originality/value
– The VicHealth Framework provided a unique lens through which to explore the contributions of community organizations to mental health promotion for immigrant older adults.
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Sudha S. Intergenerational relations and elder care preferences of Asian Indians in North Carolina. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2014; 29:87-107. [PMID: 24370947 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-013-9220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The US older population is growing in ethnic diversity. Persistent ethnic disparities in service use among seniors are linked to structural barriers to access, and also to family processes such as cultural preferences and intergenerational relations. There is sparse information on the latter issue for immigrant ethnic minority seniors. Information on the Asian group (the fastest growing senior sub-population) is extremely scarce, due to this group's diversity in national, linguistic, and cultural origins. We conducted a qualitative study among community-dwelling Asian Indian families (including at least one member aged 60 years and older) in North Carolina to examine preferences of seniors and the midlife generation regarding elder care, and the role of intergenerational relations in desired care for elders, exploring the theoretical perspective of intergenerational relationship ambivalence. Our results suggest that cultural preferences, ambivalence in intergenerational relations, and regulations on health service eligibility among immigrant/transnational seniors and midlife adults influence preferences for elder care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sudha
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, UNC Greensboro, 248 Stone Bldg, Greensboro, NC, USA,
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Dubus NM. Self-perception of when old age begins for Cambodian elders living in the United States. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2014; 29:185-99. [PMID: 24733483 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-014-9230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To deepen the understanding of the life course of refugees this study explores the question: when do Cambodian elders perceive the beginning of old age? METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 32 Cambodians, age range 53-82, who attended an elder day center in an urban setting in Massachusetts. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS The analysis revealed that the participants primarily reported two determinants to defining when old age begins: 1) the body "has too many illnesses" due to harsh working conditions; and 2) social role transition into grandparent. DISCUSSION This study extends research on cultural differences in aging, specifically identifying the cultural difference in the definition of when "old age" begins. Age is culturally derived and creates expectations for social roles, health, self-identity, and behavior. Understanding how refugees experience the cultural discrepancies in their expectations of aging can inform providers who serve this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Dubus
- Wheelock College, 81 Friend Street, Amesbury, MA, 01913, USA,
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Abstract
ABSTRACTAlthough the loneliness of both older adults and immigrants is frequently asserted, knowledge regarding the implications of immigration for loneliness in later life is limited. In particular, little attention has been directed to the impact of factors that might differentiate individuals within the immigrant population. Using data from the 2007 General Social Survey (GSS-21) conducted by Statistics Canada, this study examined the effects of immigrant status as well as immigrant generation, length of residence in Canada and race/ethnicity on loneliness among adults aged 60 and over (N=10,553). Regression analyses (ordinary least squares) estimating both the general and age-specific effects of immigrant experience on loneliness, indicated that immigrants report higher levels of loneliness than native-born Canadians, that race/ethnicity influenced loneliness particularly among immigrants and that generational status as well as length of residence also had an impact, but one that differed across age groups. Immigration-related variables appeared less consequential for loneliness in the oldest-old (aged 80+) than in younger elderly age groups. These findings attest to the significance of immigrant status for an understanding of loneliness in later life but suggest a need to acknowledge the diversity of immigrant experiences associated with lifecourse and other factors.
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Gupta R. Death beliefs and practices from an Asian Indian American Hindu perspective. DEATH STUDIES 2011; 35:244-266. [PMID: 24501845 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2010.518420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article was to explore Asian Indian American Hindu (AIAH) cultural views related to death and dying. Three focus group interviews were conducted with AIAH persons living in the southern region of United States. The focus group consisted of senior citizens, middle-aged adults, and young adults. Both open-ended and semistructured questions were asked to elicit discussions that would uncover the meanings respondents attribute to death, as well as their pre- and post-death practices. All the sessions were tape recorded. Two independent researchers examined the transcripts of the 3 sessions and generated common themes. The results of this qualitative study indicate that all 3 generations were believers in the afterlife and the karmic philosophy. However, they exhibited differences in the degree to which Hindu traditions surrounding death and bereavement have been influenced by the fact that they live in the United States. Implications for service providers are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Gupta
- School of Social Work, San Francisco State University, California, 94132, USA.
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