Journal of Aging Studies
Volume 17, Issue 2, 2003, Pages 129-149

Meanings of place and displacement in three groups of older immigrants (Article)

Becker G.*
  • a Dept. of Anthropol. Hist/Soc. Med., University of California, Box 0546, San Francisco, CA 94143-0646, United States, Institute for Health and Aging, University of California, Box 0646, San Francisco, CA 94143-0646, United States

Abstract

Using a theoretical framework that encompasses concepts of space and place, this research addresses meanings of place to three groups of older immigrants living in an inner city. This qualitative research is based on multiple interviews with 211 persons over the age of 50 in three ethnic groups: Latinos, Filipino Americans, and Cambodian Americans. Living conditions were found to be complex and difficult for most respondents, yet living arrangements were also sources of intergenerational family support and long-term, intimate friendships. An examination of meanings of place illustrates how seemingly disparate topics such as social relationships, memory, displacement, the reworking of identity, and the presence of identity politics are interwoven in the lives of these elders, and how people work to ameliorate their sense of displacement while living in problematic living conditions in old age. © 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

immigrants Living conditions Urban environment Ethnicity and aging displacement

Index Keywords

urban area immigrant South and Central America spatial orientation memory Cambodia human daily life activity aging medical research ethnic group Aged social interaction interview social status family Asian American Review spatial discrimination qualitative analysis aged worker theoretical study support group adult politics Philippines

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0037403320&doi=10.1016%2fS0890-4065%2803%2900007-0&partnerID=40&md5=d3f92b21313256e6fe6cacfe211e7ec2

DOI: 10.1016/S0890-4065(03)00007-0
ISSN: 08904065
Cited by: 51
Original Language: English