The purpose of this study was to explore the drinking culture of elderly Korean immigrants in Canada. Using a focus group approach, qualitative data were collected from 19 elderly Korean immigrants (14 men; 5 women) residing in Canada. Data were analyzed using the techniques of grounded theory. The findings indicated that elderly Korean immigrants did not dramatically change their understanding of drinking or their ways of drinking. Instead, they modified their drinking behavior in accordance with the social and legal environment of their new country. In particular, Canadian alcohol policies, including the higher cost of alcohol, lower accessibility, and strict law enforcement, discouraged excessive drinking. Policy implications and recommendations for future research are presented. © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2009.

Elderly Korean immigrants Alcohol Focus group Drinking culture Acculturation Canada

information processing South Korea Republic of Korea management Alcohol Drinking drinking behavior human Aged ethnology Humans male Canada Acculturation Aged, 80 and over female cultural factor Article policy making Focus Groups