Social Network and Social Support among Elderly Asian Immigrants in the United States

Abstract

The immigrant populations in the U.S., especially elderly Asian immigrants, have increased significantly in recent years. With limited English proficiency and health literacy, elderly Asian immigrants are a vulnerable minority group with poor health outcomes, inadequate use of healthcare services, high healthcare costs, and mistrust on the U.S. healthcare system. Receiving support from social ties helps them to better utilize available resources within and beyond their community. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the current social support and social network studies among elderly Asian immigrants. Our findings indicate that they receive emotional support from spouses, friends and neighbors, instrumental support from adult children (e.g. financial help), appraisal support from religious members (e.g. suggestion/feedback), and information support from ethnic communities. However, they have limited social ties and receive inadequate social support. Therefore, helping them expanding their social networks and operating social skills are effective for improving their well-being.