Acculturation and Activity Engagement Among Older Chinese Americans

Abstract

Using data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) conducted from 2011 to 2013, this study aims to examine the role of acculturation in engagement in cognitive, social, and religious activities among older Chinese Americans. Activity engagement and acculturation levels were relatively low in the study sample. Multivariate regression analyses showed that high levels of acculturation in general, and particularly media use (e.g., TV and radio) and ethnic social relations (i.e., preferred ethnicity of those with whom one interacts) were associated with more engagement in cognitive and social activities, respectively. High levels of acculturation in general and ethnic social relation in particular increased the likelihood of engaging in religious activities. Language use was not related to engagement in any activity, probably because only 2% of the PINE participants preferred to speak English. Findings indicate that acculturation can promote activity engagement probably through media use and social relations, whereby older adults may acquire information about opportunities for various activities. Active participation with life may improve older adults’ well-being and help address the widening health disparities among minority older populations in American society.