The Relationship between Different Levels of Civic/Social Engagement Activities and Self-Reports of Wellbeing Among Older Korean Immigrants in VA, MD, and DC Areas

Background

Previous literature documented that civic engagement and social participation are not merely activities but are deeply embedded in the psychosocial well-being of older adults. While traditional models of engagement focus on institutionalized activities such as formal volunteering and political participation, they often overlook how social engagement isn’t just about personal choice but embedded in roles and events such as caregiving, religious duties, and family life shaped by the life course. Moreover, little is known about how older racial/ethnic minorities engage with their communities and how such activities influence their well-being. We examined the relationship between various civic engagement and social activities and wellbeing among older Korean immigrants through the combined lenses of linked lives (life course perspective), structural vulnerability theory, and intersectional ageism.

Methods

Older Korean immigrants were recruited through the newspaper article on this study as well as from various places such as Korean grocery stores, community centers, and low-income housing informed by a lay community worker who served as a consultant. Older Korean immigrants were invited to participate in surveys (online and paper) and they were compensated for their time and contribution to the study. In this abstract, we examined how different activities were associated with various wellbeing outcomes (n=136). Bivariate analyses were conducted to compare characteristics of participants. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine how level of civic engagement and social participation were associated with physical and mental health indicators.

Results

The mean age for Korean immigrants was 71.03 (SD=12.09) and the most participants were female (71.32%). Most of participants were still married (64%) and 37% were retired. More than 85% of participants had at least high school level of education. Almost 60% of participants reported less than $35,000 household income. Majority of participants reported that Korean was the language that they would read, think, and speak. There were no differences in demographic characteristics among participants with different levels of civic engagement and social participation. Compared to participants with low level of civic engagement and social participation, participants with high level of civic engagement and social participation were more likely to report less depression, less anxiety, lower loneliness, more meaning and purpose in life, and better health.

Conclusion/Implications

Findings highlight the importance of understanding how different types of civic engagement and social participation activities would influence their sense of wellbeing and to improve their quality of life. There is differential access to engagement via social position, identity, and structural forces. More research is necessary to explore ways to encourage older immigrants to become more engaged in various types of civic engagement and social participation activities. More data are needed to identify key factors in promoting productive and successful aging among immigrants. Moreover, alternative frameworks of engagement is essential for developing inclusive, age-friendly strategies that reflect the lived experiences of diverse aging populations to encourage such meaningful involvement among older immigrants.