Analysis of Perceptions of Successful Aging Among Non-English Speaking Older Immigrants in California (WITHDRAWN)

(Primary Data)

 ABSTRACT

Background/Rationale: Rowe and Kahn's study of successful aging has been considered as one of the most salient study of aging. However, there have been controversies due to the restricted subjectivity of the perceptions toward successful aging and the limited sample population of the study participants. Therefore, there has been a need to study among ethnic minority and immigrant populations who can be easily marginalized due to their cultural differences, language barrier, limited access to public services, and lower socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study is to explore what factors are important for non-English speaking older immigrants in California to successfully age and to promote their quality of life related to three components, physical health, mental health, and social involvement, of the Rowe and Kahn's Successful Aging Model.

Methodology: This study is a mixed method study using Rowe and Kahn's Model of Successful Aging as a conceptual framework. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through existing scales of successful aging, resilience and acculturation along with a structured and in-depth interview to explore their perceptions of successful aging. To recruit study participants, administrative staff, program directors, and social work department staff in adult day health care centers in Los Angeles, CA, was contacted. As an attempt to collect more detailed information, a set of semi-structured open-ended questions regarding study participants' subjective perceptions toward successful aging and the influential components of aging successfully was provided. These open-ended questions gathered information on self-reported health status, emotional status, and memory loss, which was analyzed as variables that influence successful aging, resilience, and acculturation  among the population.  

Results: There were positive and statistically significant relationship between the level of successful aging and resilience. There were also positive and significant relationship between the level of successful aging and acculturation. The older immigrants expressed their own perceptions about successful aging. Based on the respondents, the list of the older immigrants’ perceptions on successful aging included the following: 1) Maintaining a good physical and cognitive health status, 2) Positive attitude toward the current life, 3) Spiritual activity and religious life, 4) Good relationship with family and children, 5) having religious activity, 6) Children's successful life, and 7)  Financial stability and independent life (mastery of life).

Implications: The major contribution of the study is a newly developed concept of successful aging including the mediating role of resilience by older immigrants' perceptions to successful aging, which are different from the Rowe and Kahn's Model of Successful Aging. Implications are directed to social work researchers and practitioners to help educate older adults in the community on the social and behavioral importance of the positive aspects of aging such as successful aging and healthy aging to increase longevity. In research, the new concept can be used for the service effectiveness, and program evaluations. In practice, this can be used for individual and group sessions through developing instruments for assessment, treatment plan, and evaluation.