Understanding Social Network and Support for Older Immigrants in Ontario, Canada: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic in Canada, with immigrants forming a substantial segment.
• Social isolation poses risks for older adults, including reduced community engagement and increased vulnerability.
• Migration-related challenges like language barriers, racism, and ageism exacerbate social isolation among older immigrants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the social needs, networks, and support systems of older immigrants in Ontario.
• To explore how these social factors influence the capacity, resilience, and independence of older immigrants.
• To inform strategies for promoting well-being and successful aging in this population.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods sequential (qualitative-quantitative) approach guided by intersectionality and ecological models.
• Community-based participatory research engaging diverse stakeholders across Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, and London.
• Interviews conducted in Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish with older immigrants, families, community leaders, and service providers.

Main Results:

• Data collection (quantitative and qualitative) is currently in progress.
• The study is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada.
• Analysis will focus on identifying factors contributing to well-being across different regions.

Conclusions:

• Comparative analysis will reveal common and unique factors influencing older immigrants' well-being in various Ontario regions.
• Findings will be relevant to community partners, facilitating practice changes to improve older immigrant well-being.
• The study aims to enhance the capacity, resilience, and independence of older immigrants.