International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Volume 10, 2015, Pages 1-9

The importance of culturally meaningful activity for health benefits among older Korean immigrant living in the United States (Article) (Open Access)

Kim J. , Kim M. , Han A. , Chin S.*
  • a Department of Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
  • b Department of Physical Education, Korea UniversitySeoul, South Korea
  • c Department of Physical Education, Dongduk Women's UniversitySeoul, South Korea
  • d Department of Taekwondo, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea

Abstract

Research indicates that participation in culturally meaningful activity is beneficial for immigrants' health and well-being, yet older Korean immigrants struggle with accepting new cultural perspectives, which can negatively affect their health and well-being. Using in-depth interviews, this study was designed to capture the value of culturally meaningful activities for health among older Korean immigrants. Three themes were identified: (a) improved psychological well-being, (b) enhanced positive emotions and feelings, and (c) social connections developed with others. The findings suggest that by engaging in various culturally meaningful activities, older Korean immigrants gain a sense of social, cultural, and psychological significance in life. This study also provided evidence that older Korean immigrants maintain and develop their cultural identity through culturally meaningful activities. © 2015 J. Kim et al.

Author Keywords

Activity culture immigrants

Index Keywords

South Korea leisure Republic of Korea health promotion human Stress, Psychological mental stress Aged Adaptation, Psychological socialization ethnology procedures qualitative research United States Humans migrant psychology Asian Americans male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Aged, 80 and over Asian American very elderly female adaptive behavior cultural factor Leisure Activities
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84934944574&doi=10.3402%2fqhw.v10.27501&partnerID=40&md5=db14a9ea15436516eed35670eaeaa401
DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v10.27501
ISSN: 17482623
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English