The purpose of this roundtable discussion is to explore the impact of immigration on the physical and mental health of middle-aged and elderly women, and to identify research and practice issues that have cross-cultural health care delivery implications. Immigrants and refugees experience significant stress as they adjust to their new homes. Older immigrants, particularly women, may experience additional losses of social position and support because their accumulated wisdom and social capital do not readily transfer to the new country. The process of adjustment is affected by barriers of language, cultural differences and poverty, as well as the loss of friends and work identities. In addition, trauma and privation in the past may exacerbate the difficulties for some. Researchers and practitioners often focus on a particular ethnic group, and therefore have limited opportunity to share methods and models that might be adapted and applied across immigrant populations. Individual, family and community factors will be examined for cultural and ethnic groups that comprise the most recent wave of immigration to the U.S. and Canada. Research and practice issues will be addressed, such as translation, measuring acculturation and ethnic identity, and the impact of adaptation on health behavior and health status. Common pathways of adaptation will be identified. Their implications for developing community programs and service models, improving access to and quality of health care for midlife and older women, and tailoring interventions in culturally-appropriate ways will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. To explore the impact of immigration on the physical and mental health of middle-aged and elderly women 2. To identify research and practice issues that have cross-cultural health care delivery implications
Keywords: Immigrant Women, Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.