Chinese late‐life immigrants’ loneliness and social isolation in host countries: An integrative review

Abstract

Aims and objective To synthesise current international empirical evidence on loneliness and social isolation in Chinese late‐life immigrants. Background Loneliness causes adverse health consequences in Chinese late‐life immigrants leading to increased utilisation of often increasingly limited healthcare resources. However, little is known about how Chinese late‐life immigrants perceive and experience loneliness and social isolation in their host countries. Design An integrative review methodology. Methods Using a systematic search strategy, Google scholar and databases, such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CHNAHL, Medline and open access Theses were searched. No limitation was placed on publication date. Peer‐reviewed studies published from the database inception to May 6, 2021 in the English language were included. The review process is reported according to PRISMA. Results Eight articles met the criteria and were included in this review. Two themes resulting from the data synthesis process were identified. Firstly, ‘disrupted social relations after late‐life immigration’ and secondly ‘moving away from filial expectations’. Conclusion Loneliness and social isolation are commonly experienced by Chinese late‐life immigrants when residing in host countries. Understanding and identification of the sources of loneliness and social isolation among late‐life immigrants are essential prompts for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to engage sensitively with Chinese late‐life immigrants. Nurses culturally relevant care delivery in a variety of settings may best serve recipients’ social and health related needs. Relevance to clinical practice This integrated review informs the planning of health and social services for addressing Chinese late‐life immigrants’ experiences of loneliness and social isolation. Focused attention on cultural responsiveness is an important component of providing quality and safe nursing care. This review of the recent evidence on socially‐rooted health concerns affected by both immigration and ageing will help advance nursing practice in providing culturally responsive care interventions.

Association between loneliness and acceptance of using robots and pets as companions among older Chinese immigrants during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…The survey results showed a moderate level of overall loneliness in middle‐aged and older Chinese immigrants in New Zealand during the implementation of the COVID‐19 social distancing measures. The level of loneliness in this study was much higher than the loneliness of Chinese late‐life immigrants in New Zealand reported by a previous study 18 before the COVID‐19 pandemic, where the overall loneliness scores measured by the Chinese version 6‐item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scale had a mean of 2.44. The COVID‐19 pandemic caused a so‐called ‘loneliness epidemic’ 19 internationally, representing an unspoken toll of COVID‐19.…”

“… 26 However, fewer studies on robots have addressed the loneliness of older Chinese immigrants living in their own homes in the community. Studies on older Chinese immigrants’ lifestyle 27 and experience of loneliness 18 in New Zealand communities have revealed that some older Chinese immigrants reluctantly discarded prior customary filial piety expectations, in favour of external services/resources to support their care arrangements and to help them cope with loneliness. To fill the research gap, this study examined the association between loneliness and the acceptance of robots and pets among middle‐aged and older Chinese immigrants living in the community.…”

“…Previous studies reported that Chinese late-life immigrants usually immigrate to a host country to re-unite with their adult children, honouring traditional values and expressions of filial piety. 18 However, the cultural stigma surrounding loneliness could prohibit older Chinese immigrants from disclosing their feelings and the status of intergenerational relationships to others. 6 Researchers need to build a trusting relationship with older Chinese immigrants before exploring loneliness from a culturally related context.…”

Feeling a deep sense of loneliness: Chinese late‐life immigrants in New Zealand

“…6 Moreover, loneliness is commonly reported by Chinese late-life immigrants when residing in host countries. 7 In addition, late-life immigrants from China, India, and Korea identified negative resettlement experiences and loneliness in New Zealand. 8 However, many studies on loneliness do not distinguish late-life immigrants from older adults who immigrated prior to reaching older adulthood.…”

“…10 These issues are potential risks for loneliness of Chinese late-life immigrants as previously reported in Australia and Canada. 7 Further evidence is needed to understand the nuanced experiences of loneliness and the potential links between the disruption of traditional core values associated with filial piety and the experience of loneliness.…”