"It's All About the Connection": Digital and Physical Spaces for Mandarin and Punjabi-Speaking Older Immigrants in Calgary

Abstract

Social isolation poses significant challenges for older immigrants, particularly those who face cultural and linguistic barriers in their country of settlement. Despite these challenges, little is known about how older immigrants facilitate social connections. This study draws from the Inclusive Communities for Older Adults project to explore how Mandarin and Punjabi-speaking older immigrants utilize physical and digital spaces to mitigate social isolation. Data from semi-structured interviews with 20 older immigrants in Calgary, Canada, was analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive approaches. Findings reveal that physical spaces, such as community centers, facilitate social connections and recreational activities among older immigrants while providing volunteering opportunities that enhance meaningful community engagement. However, challenges such as transportation barriers and harsh winter conditions limit access to these spaces, highlighting the need for more localized and accessible facilities. To overcome these challenges, participants relied on digital platforms to maintain social networks, plan activities, and engage in virtual bonding activities. This study underscores the importance of hybrid approaches integrating community-driven physical and digital spaces to alleviate social isolation in older immigrant populations. Hence, the study recommends culturally and linguistically responsive programming, digital literacy initiatives, and policy measures to improve accessibility and inclusivity of physical and digital spaces.

Keywords: Digital spaces; Mandarin; Punjabi; older immigrants; physical spaces; social isolation.