Healthy Aging in Older Chinese Americans: Associations With Immigrant Experiences

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the associations of aspects of the immigrant experience—acculturation, neighborhood belonging, and perceived discrimination—with healthy aging in older Chinese Americans and explored whether the associations vary by age and gender. Method: The sample included 3,056 older Chinese Americans. Healthy aging was defined as no disability, no cognitive impairment, and high physical functioning, coded dichotomously (1 = meets all criteria, 0 = otherwise). Acculturation, neighborhood belonging, and perceived discrimination were measured using standardized scales. Results: About 31% of the sample experienced healthy aging. Acculturation was positively associated with healthy aging, with stronger associations in older age and women. A greater sense of neighborhood belonging was associated with higher odds of healthy aging; experiences of discrimination were associated with lower odds. Discussion: Interventions to promote healthy aging in Chinese Americans are needed. Programs that support immigrants with low acculturation levels, strengthen immigrants’ connectedness to their neighbors, and promote inclusiveness may improve population health.