Abstract
Older immigrants often experience social isolation due to a combination of contributing factors. However, little is known about the geo-spatial factors that contribute to social isolation among older immigrants living in Canadian cities of various sizes. As part of a larger study that examines risk factors for social isolation among older immigrants in four provinces in Canada, this paper explores the geo-spatial factors that contribute to social isolation among Arabic-speaking older immigrants in the province of Ontario. Following research ethics boards’ approvals, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 40 Arabic-speaking older immigrants from three cities in Ontario: Toronto, London, and Hamilton. Audio-recorded interviews were translated, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five key themes were identified: safety of sidewalks and roads in the winter; lack of accessible and culturally safe spaces for connection; unreliable and costly public transportation; diminished perceptions of neighborhood safety; and fear/experiences of discrimination and racism. Results were consistent across the three cities in that they highlighted limitations of existing physical and social infrastructure and civic institutions in addressing the needs of Arabic-speaking older immigrants in Ontario, which contributed to their experiences of social isolation. There is a need for policies and funding that address key geospatial factors to help foster social connections that reflect cultural and religious needs, as well as improve neighborhood safety. Low-cost, age-friendly transit systems are needed that link residential areas with key community assets, such as health services, religious institutions, and settlement programs and support.
Presenters
Sepali GurugeProfessor, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ontario, Canada Ifrah Qidwai
Student, Biomedical Sciences, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ontario, Canada Zhixi Zhuang
Toronto Metropolitan University Kaveenaa Chandrasekaran
Project Manager, Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University , Ontario, Canada Kateryna Metersky
Associate Director (Collaborative Nursing Degree Program) and Assistant Professor, Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ontario, Canada Bharati Sethi
Associate Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, Political Studies, Trent University, Ontario, Canada Melissa Northwood
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing , McMaster University, Ontario, Canada Lu Wang
Professor, Geography, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Arabic, Canada, Geo-Spatial, Older Immigrants, Social Isolation
