Abstract
Background: Loneliness and social isolation significantly impact the well-being of older adults, particularly immigrants from minority groups. Chinese immigrants are the third-largest immigrant group in the United States and may encounter unique challenges related to loneliness and social isolation due to life transitions. The prevalence of loneliness among older Chinese immigrants is 26%, significantly higher than in the broader aging population. Despite information and communication technology (ICT) interventions developed to address these issues, their effectiveness remains unclear, possibly due to neglecting the subjective nature of loneliness and the diverse backgrounds of participants, including racial and cultural differences.
Research Purpose: This study aims to understand the experiences of loneliness, social isolation, and ICT usage among older Chinese immigrants in the U.S, focusing on cultural, social, and technological factors influencing their experiences.
Methods: The qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews conducted in Mandarin Chinese with 18 older Chinese immigrants in Seattle (mean age: 71.11 ± 9.5 years, range: 60-89 years). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Four main themes emerged: Theme 1 explores the multifaceted nature of loneliness and social isolation, emphasizing the personal, psychological, and spiritual dimensions influenced by individual and cultural factors. Theme 2 discusses the experiences and challenges of loneliness and social isolation, including life transitions, homesickness, limited English proficiency, and mobility restrictions. Theme 3 explores technology adoption, identifying motivations and barriers such as reliance on others, privacy concerns, and strategies to overcome these challenges. Theme 4 focuses on the cultural influences on the use of information and communication technology, loneliness, and social integration.
Conclusion: Older Chinese immigrants face unique challenges in combating loneliness and social isolation, significantly influenced by cultural, social, and technological factors. Their experiences highlight the need for culturally sensitive approaches in designing intervention measures and support mechanisms. Such interventions not only enhance their physical and mental health and well-being but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing health inequalities and boosting technological competencies, especially in ICT.
Notes
References:
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3. Garcia Diaz L, Savundranayagam MY, Kloseck M, Fitzsimmons D. The role of cultural and family values on social connectedness and loneliness among ethnic minority elders. Clin Gerontol. 2019;42(1):114-126. doi:10.1080/07317115.2017.1395377
4. Hawkins MM, Holliday DD, Weinhardt LS, Florsheim P, Ngui E, AbuZahra T. Barriers and facilitators of health among older adult immigrants in the United States: an integrative review of 20 years of literature. BMC Public Health. 2022;22(1):755.
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7. Lai DW, Li J, Ou X, Li CY. Effectiveness of a peer-based intervention on loneliness and social isolation of older Chinese immigrants in Canada: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2020;20:1-12.
8. United Nations. 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). 2023. https://sdgs.un.org/gsdr/gsdr2023
9. Maes M, Qualter P, Vanhalst J, Van den Noortgate W, Goossens L. Gender differences in loneliness across the lifespan: a meta-analysis. Eur J Pers. 2019;33:642-654. doi:10.1002/per.222
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Sigma Membership
Psi at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Public and Community Health, Sustainable Development Goals, Loneliness, Chinese Immigrants, Older Adults, Aged, Information and Communication Technology, ICT
Recommended Citation
Chien, Shao-Yun; Zaslavsky, Oleg; Belza, Basia; and Chen, Annie T., "Loneliness, Technology, and Culture: Insights from Older Chinese Immigrants’ Experiences" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 203.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/203
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Loneliness, Technology, and Culture: Insights from Older Chinese Immigrants’ Experiences
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Loneliness and social isolation significantly impact the well-being of older adults, particularly immigrants from minority groups. Chinese immigrants are the third-largest immigrant group in the United States and may encounter unique challenges related to loneliness and social isolation due to life transitions. The prevalence of loneliness among older Chinese immigrants is 26%, significantly higher than in the broader aging population. Despite information and communication technology (ICT) interventions developed to address these issues, their effectiveness remains unclear, possibly due to neglecting the subjective nature of loneliness and the diverse backgrounds of participants, including racial and cultural differences.
Research Purpose: This study aims to understand the experiences of loneliness, social isolation, and ICT usage among older Chinese immigrants in the U.S, focusing on cultural, social, and technological factors influencing their experiences.
Methods: The qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews conducted in Mandarin Chinese with 18 older Chinese immigrants in Seattle (mean age: 71.11 ± 9.5 years, range: 60-89 years). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Four main themes emerged: Theme 1 explores the multifaceted nature of loneliness and social isolation, emphasizing the personal, psychological, and spiritual dimensions influenced by individual and cultural factors. Theme 2 discusses the experiences and challenges of loneliness and social isolation, including life transitions, homesickness, limited English proficiency, and mobility restrictions. Theme 3 explores technology adoption, identifying motivations and barriers such as reliance on others, privacy concerns, and strategies to overcome these challenges. Theme 4 focuses on the cultural influences on the use of information and communication technology, loneliness, and social integration.
Conclusion: Older Chinese immigrants face unique challenges in combating loneliness and social isolation, significantly influenced by cultural, social, and technological factors. Their experiences highlight the need for culturally sensitive approaches in designing intervention measures and support mechanisms. Such interventions not only enhance their physical and mental health and well-being but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing health inequalities and boosting technological competencies, especially in ICT.
Description
This study explores the unique challenges of loneliness and social isolation among older Chinese immigrants in the U.S. Using in-depth interviews with 18 participants, four themes emerged, highlighting the personal and cultural dimensions of loneliness, technology adoption, and cultural influences on ICT use. The findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive interventions to address loneliness and improve social integration, aligning with global health and equality goals.