Voices of older Asian Indian immigrants: Mental health implications.

Abstract

Recent research indicates a risk of isolation and psychological distress and underutilization of mental health services among older immigrants (Hernandez & Bigatti, 2010;Mui & Kang, 2006). The present study examined the perspectives of Asian Indian older adults and aimed to bridge gaps in understanding aging in the immigrant context. Semistructured interviews with 18 Asian Indian older adults (8 men and 10 women) were analyzed using content analysis. Four broad categories emerged from the data including: (a) challenges of living in the United States, (b) giving and receiving care in the family, (c) reflecting on present and future circumstances, and (d) approaches to coping. Various themes within these 4 broad categories extend existing knowledge concerning the vulnerabilities and resilience in the experiences of older Asian Indians. The ways in which research, practice, and policy can advocate for the mental health needs of Asian Indian older adults are discussed.

Late-life Asian immigrants managing wellness through contributing to socially embedded networks

“…Such results are consistent with evidence from a qualitative study with older Indian immigrants recruited from an Indian seniors' community programme (Tummala-Narra et al, 2013). Their stories revealed that participation in socially embedded, co-ethnic networks helped them cope with cultural changes, isolation, and loneliness (Tummala-Narra et al, 2013).…”

“…Their stories revealed that participation in socially embedded, co-ethnic networks helped them cope with cultural changes, isolation, and loneliness (Tummala-Narra et al, 2013). In accord, older transnational immigrants, either on extended family visits or permanently resettled in California, were lonelier and more dissatisfied when isolated from engaging socially beyond their kin networks (Treas & Mazumdar, 2002).…”

“…The risks to wellness include mental health problems, such as depressive symptoms (Abbott et al, 2003), and culture-specific psychological symptoms (Tummala-Narra, Sathasivam-Rueckert, & Sundaram, 2013). It seems that any immigrant health advantage, observed when good migrant health is a host-country pre-requisite, is off-set by evidence of late-life immigrants' risks for a rapid decline in health, the longer they stay in the host country (Rote & Markides, 2014).…”

Depression, a Hidden Mental Health Disparity in an Asian Indian Immigrant Community

“…Even though family issues and the sociocultural expectations of the AI community were stressors, they were also often seen as a source of support, strength, acceptance, and protection. In line with other studies, AI women may be more inclined to utilize informal support mechanisms such as these, rather seeking mental health care [ 7 , 47 ]. Acculturation balanced with maintaining AI traditions was expressed as evidence of resilience and ultimate achievement, which results in wellbeing and satisfaction with life.…”

Mental Health and Stress Among South Asians

“…12,47–52 Predictors of depression among SA older adults include abuse and neglect, social isolation, and acculturative stress. 12 In one study, poorer physical health and a more traditional ethnic identity were correlated with depressive symptoms in a group of older SAs in the U.S. 50 These factors persisted in both limited English proficient and English proficient study groups.…”