A Study of Attitudes Toward Aging and Caregiving Patterns Among Samoan Families in Hawaii

Abstract

SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of attitudes toward the aged and family caregiving patterns among Samoan men and women in Hawaii, taking into consideration gender and age differences. The findings revealed that both caregivers and non-care-givers held positive attitudes toward aging. Among caregivers, those with more positive attitudes toward the aged provided more personal care and chore services to an aged family member. In contrast to national studies, no gender and age differences in attitudes towards the elderly were observed among caregivers. Implications for the delivery of culturally-sensitive services to this growing Asian and Pacific Islander population are presented.