The Dynamics of Acculturation Among Older Immigrants in Australia

Abstract

<jats:p> This study explores different acculturation pathways that older immigrants follow, and the social/cultural identities they claim (or do not claim), as they live and age in Australia. Data were collected from 29 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with older immigrants (65+ years) from nine cultural backgrounds. We used participants’ self-defined cultural identity to explore how these cultural identities were enacted in different contexts. Mapping self-defined cultural identity with narratives about what participants do in relation to ethnic and host cultures, we found three dynamic acculturation pathways: (a) identifying with the ethnic culture while embracing aspects of Australian culture, (b) identifying with Australian culture while participating in the ethnic culture, and (c) identifying with both cultures while maintaining the way of life of the ethnic culture. These pathways show that acculturation strategies are not necessarily consistent with self-defined identity, within the same individual or over time. Rather, the participants’ narratives suggest that their life in the settlement country involves ongoing negotiation across people, culture, and relationships. The findings highlight the importance for acculturation research to be situated in the context in which immigrants find themselves, to capture the nuances of these dynamic acculturation experiences. </jats:p>

What Matters Most to Older Chinese Adults

“…In addition to a steep learning curve about Canadian cultural norms, Chinese older adults' traditional values from their country of origin were disrupted, causing identity conflict because of a constant need to navigate between two cultures while adapting to new environments (J. Li et al, 2018;S. Liu et al, 2020;Teh et al, 2020;Ward, 2013).…”

“…In a review of immigrants’ access to health care, Wang et al (2019) cited minimal focus specifically on older adults, the most vulnerable among the immigrant population. The process of shifting customs, values, and behaviors to another culture due to relocation is broadly defined as acculturation (Abraido-Lanza et al, 2006; S. Liu et al, 2020; Mao et al, 2020; Serafica et al, 2019; Tieu & Konnert, 2015).…”

“…In a review of immigrants’ access to health care, Wang et al (2019) cited minimal focus specifically on older adults, the most vulnerable among the immigrant population. The process of shifting customs, values, and behaviors to another culture due to relocation is broadly defined as acculturation ( Abraido-Lanza et al, 2006 ; S. Liu et al, 2020 ; Mao et al, 2020 ; Serafica et al, 2019 ; Tieu & Konnert, 2015 ). In addition to a steep learning curve about Canadian cultural norms, Chinese older adults’ traditional values from their country of origin were disrupted, causing identity conflict because of a constant need to navigate between two cultures while adapting to new environments ( J. Li et al, 2018 ; S. Liu et al, 2020 ; Teh et al, 2020 ; Ward, 2013 ).…”

“…Challenges faced by older Chinese adults as newcomers or immigrants to North America, specifically Canada, are well documented (Chow, 2012; Koehn et al, 2018; S. Liu et al, 2020; Zhu & Zhang, 2019).…”

“…Challenges faced by older Chinese adults as newcomers or immigrants to North America, specifically Canada, are well documented ( Chow, 2012 ; Koehn et al, 2018 ; S. Liu et al, 2020 ; Zhu & Zhang, 2019 ). Contributing factors include communications barriers, loneliness, and insufficient access to social services ( J. Li et al, 2018 ).…”