Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology
Volume 30, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 251-268

Loneliness of Older Immigrant Groups in Canada: Effects of Ethnic-Cultural Background (Article) (Open Access)

De Jong Gierveld J.* , Van der Pas S. , Keating N.
  • a Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI), P.O. Box 11650, The Hague, 2502 AR, Netherlands, Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
  • b Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, Centre for Innovative Ageing, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom, Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the loneliness of several groups of older immigrants in Canada compared to native-born older adults. Data from the Canadian General Social Survey, Cycle 22 (N older adults = 3,692) were used. The dependent variable is the 6 item De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale. Determinants of loneliness included country of birth, ethnic background (cultural context); belongingness (community context) and social networks (social context). Results showed that only some immigrant groups are significantly lonelier than older adults born in Canada. Immigrants with similar language and culture are not lonelier; while those from countries that differ in native language/culture are significantly higher on loneliness. Multivariate analyses showed the importance of cultural background, of composition of the network of relatives and friends, and of local participation and feelings of belonging to the Canadian society in explaining loneliness of older immigrants. © 2015, The Author(s).

Author Keywords

immigrants loneliness ethnic background Canada older adults

Index Keywords

Emotions human Ethnic Groups ethnic group Aged social support language ethnology Surveys and Questionnaires Humans migrant psychology male Canada Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Aged, 80 and over female very elderly Multivariate Analysis questionnaire cultural factor emotion adult Social Environment migration Emigration and Immigration Loneliness Cultural Characteristics
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84939472673&doi=10.1007%2fs10823-015-9265-x&partnerID=40&md5=0a87dcb8a0a0a7d8a50d15ac37127eef
DOI: 10.1007/s10823-015-9265-x
ISSN: 01693816
Cited by: 32
Original Language: English