Social Integration of Older Immigrants in 21st Century America

There are various reasons for the burgeoning interest in detailed
research into the determinants of social well-being among older
immigrants in this country. As a result of shifting federal government
policies, the total volume of immigrants has increased significantly, the
countries from which they migrate have changed, and more immigrant
families have brought their parents into the United States than ever
before. Consequently, the older adult population is becoming more
diverse due in part to the aging-in-place of younger immigrants and an
increasing number of immigrants who are older upon arrival in the
United States. These trends create challenges for social service
providers, who are encountering language and cultural differences
among their clients for which they are unprepared.
This report provides an overview of research about older adult
immigrants in the United States that my colleagues and I have
conducted over the past few years. Various demographic and cultural
aspects of today’s immigrants that differ from the past are described.
The importance of social integration to older immigrants’ well-being is
considered. Then some intriguing research about the “new immigrants”
is summarized and additional areas for future research are suggested