Social Participation Among Older Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nine Cities in Canada

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Social participation is important for healthy aging but challenging for older immigrants because of factors such as the loss of cultural community, language and transportation barriers, ageism, and racism. This study aimed to examine (1) the type of social activities in which older immigrants from Arabic (Arab), Mandarin (East Asian), and Punjabi-speaking (South Asian) communities in Canada engage; (2) their desire for more participation in social activities; and (3) factors they perceive as preventing their engagement in more social activities. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we collected data, using existing measures, from 476 older immigrants between fall 2022 and winter 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: More than 75% of participants reported engagement in three solitary activities (having a hobby, going on a day trip; and using the internet and/or email) and more than 85% participated in community-based activities with family inside and outside and with friends outside the household. Most (71%) expressed a desire to participate in more social activities in the community, but they were prevented from doing so due to factors such as language barriers or not wanting to go alone. Conclusions: Interventions are needed to facilitate community-based participation among older immigrants and improve their quality of life.

Keywords: community-based activities; immigrant; older adults; social participation; solitary activities.