This is the first study examining predictors of depression among Arizona's Korean immigrant elders not residing in ethnic enclaves. A snowball sample of 120 elders, aged 64 and over, completed the study interview. The proportion of respondents reporting depression was 38.1%, higher than the incidence reported among counterparts in New York City's immigrant ethnic enclaves. Multiple regression analyses (R2 =.44) indicate that English language proficiency had the most powerful effect on explaining depression. Discussion centers on why programs aimed at reducing language barriers among socially isolated immigrant elders need to be a first priority in service provision. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Language proficiency Depression Korean immigrant elders Ethnic enclave Social isolation

depression Communication Barriers Korea psychological aspect Arizona human communication disorder middle aged Ethnic Groups ethnic group health status Time Factors Aged Adaptation, Psychological language ethnology Social Work quality of life United States Humans Asian Americans male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Aged, 80 and over female Asian American Socioeconomic Factors adaptive behavior socioeconomics cultural factor Article migration New York City geriatrics time