UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN TREASURES AND STRENGTHS: CONTRIBUTIONS OF AGING CHINESE IN CANADA

• Published in: International journal of sociology of the family Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 71 - 96
• Main Authors: LAI, DANIEL W. L., ANDRUSKE, CYNTHIA LEE
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Serials Publications 01-04-2014
• Subjects: Adult children; Aging; Canada; Cities; Citizen Participation; Citizens; Communities; Elderly; Grandchildren; Health; Housekeeping; Immigrants; Immigration; Older adults; Population aging; Retirement communities; Social work; Volunteerism; Wellbeing; Canada
• ISSN: 0020-7667; 0973-2039; 0020-7667

Research findings on elderly immigrant populations tend to focus on health and physical challenges and adjustment difficulties after immigration. This results in misunderstandings about contributions, leading society to see aging immigrants as burdensome and needy, rather than as productive and contributing citizens. This study examines the contributions of aging Chinese residing in 7 cities in Canada by conducting in-depth qualitative interviews with 88 Chinese older adults. Five areas of contributions emerged, including helping the family, volunteering and fundraising, caring for oneself, civic engagement, and generativity, with each including sub themes. Overall, these Chinese older adults lead rich and independent lives, as they felt that they contributed to their families, community, and society, as well as enhancing their own lives and those of others.