Housing and living arrangements of Western Asian immigrant seniors in Edmonton, Alberta.
The Canadian population is aging and becoming more ethnically diverse. This paper focuses on South Asian immigrant seniors and examines differences in housing and living arrangements among seniors who immigrated at different life stages. We interviewed a convenience sample of 161 immigrant seniors of South Asian descent in Edmonton, Alberta, to assess type of living arrangement, type of housing and dwelling density (measured in persons per room), activity in the neighbourhood, and means of transportation. Overall, those seniors who came to Canada before the end of mid-life were more likely than those who came at an older age to drive a car and, if married, to live in a one- or two-generation family. Women were more likely than men to be widowed, have poorer English-language skills, or live with a three-generation family if unmarried, and less likely to drive a car. Most respondents were satisfied with their living arrangements, housing, and perceived safety at home and in their neighbourhood. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Ng
Cheuk Fan
CF
Centre for Psychology, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB. cheukn@athabascau.ca
Northcott
Herbert C
HC
Abu-Laban
Sharon McIrvin
SM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D001211:Asia, Western / Q000208:ethnology; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D016852:Housing for the Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires