Purpose: The study examined the subjective life experiences of elderly first-generation Korean women living in Japan and investigated their adjustment to the local Japanese community. Design: The study group comprised 14 elderly Korean women residents at a Korean-oriented, insurance-based, day services center in midwestern Japan. They were interviewed in depth, and the data were analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach. Findings: The study designated the core category as “conservation of ethnic identity” and identified five subcategories: (a) loneliness, (b) returning to one's homeland culture, (c) physical decline as a result of aging, (d) family ties, and (e) a place where one belongs. Conclusions: The results elucidated that although the participants had adapted to Japanese culture, they were strongly influenced by the memories of their hometowns and wished to return to their homeland. Implications for Practice: The study suggests that elderly immigrants need day care support that provides an environment where they can enjoy their culture. © 2012, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.

Elderly Korean immigrants day care services modified grounded theory life experiences life adjustment

perception elderly care psychological aspect methodology Social Identification human aging Interview, Psychological health service Aged Adaptation, Psychological Cultural Competency ethnology cultural competence qualitative research Health Services Needs and Demand day care Humans Japan Emigrants and Immigrants female Aged, 80 and over adaptive behavior psychologic test women's health Article migration Loneliness Social Perception Health Services for the Aged social behavior Korea