How does health and physician use differ by ethnicity among older Asian immigrants?

The diverse experiences of Asian immigrants in the United States have been well-documented. The census projects the Asian population to double in the next forty years, with a tripling among adults over 65. The life course perspective holds that differential experiences shape the health trajectories within an age cohort. This study applies the life course perspective to identify the contribution of ethnic differentiation on the health and physician use of older Asian immigrants.

This study combines data from the 2005 and 2007 California Health Interview Survey. Data were extracted for Asian respondents, who were foreign-born, and aged 65 and over. Mixed race respondents were excluded from the study sample to ensure proper classification and yielded a study sample of 1,221. All analyses were weighted to account for complex sampling methods.

Asian respondents were classified by their ethnic background (Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, or other Asian). The results show that Vietnamese elders were three times more likely than Chinese elders to report poor health. Additionally, Korean elders three times were more likely than Chinese elders to seen a physician. Increased age was associated with an increased likelihood of having health needs, but with a decreased likelihood of using physician services. This study's findings reinforce the diversity within the Asian racial categorization, while highlighting the needs of aging immigrants. Differential experiences based on ethnic background within the age-cohort underscore the need to develop effective, aging and culturally sensitive efforts to promote health and access to healthcare services.