The purpose of this study was to examine the assimilation experiences of older adult immigrants in light of “new assimilation theory” and to consider the implications for providing culturally competent healthcare. This study strived to corroborate assimilation as a paradigm to understand older adult immigrant healthcare decisions. A look at new assimilation concepts included transnationalism, convergence or cultural fusion, selective acculturation and contemporary multiculturalism as factors that decisively shape immigrants life and health decisions. This descriptive study incorporated a structured demographic questionnaire as well as a semi-structured interview guide created to obtain older adult immigrants’ experiences of assimilation. A qualitative research in-depth interview was used as a methodology. Thirty informants aged 54 to 90 years who were self-reported Asian, European and Hispanic immigrants and could read and write English were recruited using theoretical sampling. Data collection was conducted primary from face-to-face, tape-recorded interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. This study verified how individual older adult immigrants acculturate at different rates and often selectively discard some aspects of their immigrant cultural and healthcare practices while retaining others. The concept of transnationalism is discussed to show how older adult immigrants maintain a continuous link between their societies of origin and settlement thus creating a “cultural fit” when it comes to making decisions about healthcare issues. The findings will help health professionals understand the importance of assimilation in planning culturally appropriate care strategies by incorporating contemporary assimilation concepts in developing the best strategies to improve quality of life in older adult immigrants.
Session #1198 - Decision Making
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)