Ageing in another country: the impact of family and neighbourhood environment on the wellbeing of older Chinese immigrants

Abstract

The older Chinese immigrant group is one of the largest non-English-speaking ageing groups in Australia. A large volume of research has examined the health status and the social environment of older Chinese immigrants, yet less scholarly effort has been devoted to the impacts of the neighbourhood environment on the wellbeing of older Chinese immigrants, making it difficult for urban planners and policy makers to provide appropriate neighbourhood environments for this cohort. This thesis aims to explore this issue by focusing on the two following research questions: first, to understand older Chinese immigrants’ experiences and perceptions of the neighbourhood environment in Australia; and second, to understand the effects of the neighbourhood environment (i.e. family relationships, accessibility to essential facilities, public transportation and walking environments) on the wellbeing of older Chinese immigrants. Through a case study on the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia), this thesis applies both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The use of travel diaries and mapping exercises were employed to acquire primary data. Semi-structured interviews were also undertaken to explore older Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of their neighbourhood environment and wellbeing. Thirty older Chinese immigrants participated in this research. Three main findings emerged from this research. First, the study demonstrates that the main reason for older Chinese immigrants moving to the Gold Coast is to reunite with their adult children which is guided by the complex feelings of family commitment, personal values and the need of elder care. Although older Chinese immigrants have met their values of caring for their family members, excessive housework might negatively influence their wellbeing. The key components of older Chinese immigrants’ wellbeing include family relationships, independent lives and social networks. The second main finding is related to the effects of the neighbourhood environment on wellbeing. The thesis research finds that low accessibility to essential facilities, difficulties in taking public transportation and unfamiliar environments negatively influence older Chinese immigrants’ ability to conduct daily activities and this undermines their wellbeing. The majority of participants have a limited range of activities because they can only walk to their destinations. Language barriers and unfamiliar environments impede participants taking public transport. Interaction with the neighbourhood environment is mediated by older Chinese immigrants’ lifestyles and previous experiences. Chinese community centres and Chinese grocery stores are particularly important for older Chinese immigrants. The third finding of this thesis focuses on green spaces. Older Chinese immigrants have easy access to green spaces near their homes while a majority of them have difficulties in accessing city parks to conduct preferred activities. Walking and social activities are the most popular activities in green spaces. Values of keeping healthy, maintaining active lifestyles and being social encourage older Chinese immigrants to visit green spaces. This thesis not only enriches the literature about older Chinese immigrants, neighbourhood environments and wellbeing studies but also has significant implications for urban planners and policy makers to enhance the wellbeing of older Chinese immigrants. The research findings highlight the need for including older immigrants’ perceptions during the process of planning an inclusive neighbourhood environment.