Abstract
New Zealand is an ethnically diverse nation. The number of overseas-born New Zealanders are increasing and migration pathways have added to the cultural diversity of New Zealand’s population. Acknowledging the health complexities experienced by older adults belonging to diverse cultural backgrounds is a growing research interest. This article aims to discuss the specific overlays between health and culture in the case of older Asian-New Zealanders by unpacking, presenting and critically analysing selected New Zealand studies. Based on this critical analysis, health-seeking behaviours and engagement with the healthcare system in New Zealand were influenced by cultural beliefs, traditional family values and the use of mainstream language. Understanding the overlaps between health and culture of the ageing ethnic groups is complex yet useful for health institutions. Furthermore, understanding the perspectives of ageing among ethnic and migrant groups within the context of cultural diversity is enhanced by considering an ethno-specific approach.
Highlights
The number of overseas-born New Zealanders are on the rise and migration pathways have added to the diversity of New Zealand’s population (Statistics New Zealand, 2013)
In 2013, there were approximately 471,708 people living in New Zealand who identified as Asians (Statistics New Zealand, 2013)
Factors like the age at immigration, relationship with adult children and families within the host societies, their strongly-held cultural beliefs, their fluent use of mainstream language and the culture of host societies were among the identified complexities that impact their health and wellbeing
Summary
The number of overseas-born New Zealanders are on the rise and migration pathways have added to the diversity of New Zealand’s population (Statistics New Zealand, 2013). Population projections have indicated that the number of older adults aged 65 years old and over will reach 1.37 million in 2041, which includes the fast-growing and ageing ethnic populations of Asian New Zealanders (Statistics New Zealand, 2013). The population of older Asians in New Zealand is projected to double by 2025 (Statistics New Zealand, 2009). Immigrants from Asia, those from China have been in New Zealand since the 1860s (Ip, 2005) and this migration trend continues with individuals coming from different Asian countries. The largest number of older adult population from Asian ethnicities were Chinese, Indian and Filipinos (Statistics New Zealand, 2015a). The relocation and immigration of older adults have implications for the host society’s socio-economic and health policies (Ciobanu, Fokkema, & Nedelcu, 2017)
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