Elderly Korean persons who immigrated to the United States often live in a situation coined ‘multiple jeopardy’ (being old, poor, and minority; having low educational attainment, language problems, and cultural differences). Contrary to the assumption that Asian elders often live with their adult children, these elderly tend to live separately, thus ignoring their traditional custom of intergenerational co-residence. Consequently, the lives of these elderly are dramatically different from their peers in Korea where the tradition of filial piety is still prevalent. This divergence of customs for elderly Korean Americans living in the United States has given rise to our research. Based on a review of the findings of three studies about elderly Korean immigrants, we discuss major factors influencing their decisions to live separately from their adult children. The results of this review show that public welfare programs are a major factor associated with their preference for more independent lifestyles. © 2002 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Independent living arrangement Korean American elderly Public assistance elderly immigrants Family support

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