This study examined the association between English language proficiency and health outcomes in a regional probability sample (n = 205) of elderly Chinese and Korean immigrants. Data support that these two Asian ethnic subgroups differ in English proficiency and health-related quality of life. Chinese and Korean elders had poorer health than the national norms, and poor English proficiency was associated with poorer outcomes for six of eight health outcomes measures. Implications for health care delivery and social work are discussed.

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The increasing numbers of Asian and other immigrants in the United States have resulted in greater demands for research methodology sensitive to crosscultural issues. A regional probability sample (n = 407) of Asian elderly immigrants of different nationalities (Chinese, Korean, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, or Japanese) residing in New York City was used to examine the reliability of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Using the 30-item GDS, about 40% of this representative sample of Asian elderly immigrants was considered to be depressed, indicating higher depression rates than in the previous studies of other Asian elderly samples in the US and in Asia. Results also showed that the 30-item GDS and 15-item GDS Short Forms were reliable measures to assess depression in communitydwelling Asian immigrant elders. Data strongly suggest that Asian elderly immigrants in the US are at risk of depression, indicating a need for the design of culturally sensitive mental health programs.The United States is facing two dramatic demographic changes: the aging and the increasing ethnic and racial diversification of its population. The population segment that is age 65 and over (35.0 million) now constitutes about 12.4% of the total US. population (Hetzel & Smith, 2001). It is expected to remain near its current level over the next 10 years. Between 2010 and 2030, the baby boomers will join this older population, and by 2030, about 20% of the total population (69.4 million) is projected to be over 65. The non-Hispanic, White share of the population is projected to fall steadily from 74% in 1995 to 72% in 2000, to 64% in 2020, and to 53% in 2050. By the middle of the 21st century the Black population is expected to nearly double its 1995 size to 61 million. The racial/ethnic groups with the highest rates of increase, however,

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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.