Similarities and differences: Older Chinese, Indian, and Filipino immigrants’ engagement in civic activities in Canada

Objectives: The level of civic participation has impacts on older adults’ well-being. But, there are limited studies examining the civic engagement of racialized aging immigrants. This research examines the perceived sense of control, power, and capacity of aging Asian immigrants in the context of civic participation given that Asian immigrants are a large immigrant community in Canada.

Methods: A mixed-method approach was implemented, qualitative data was collected from semi-structured in-depth interviews (n=30) and focus groups (n=6) with older adults from the top three Asian immigrant groups from China, India, and Philippines, and quantitative data was also gathered from focus group participants using a questionnaire. The collected qualitative data was analyzed with a thematic analysis approach.

Results: There are limited civic engagement opportunities among aging Asian immigrants; most participants felt powerless in civic engagement; many participants expressed their interest in civic participation. Although there are common facilitators and barriers for immigrant seniors' civic participation, intra-community differences were presented.

Conclusion: The research findings suggest that, when providing services, social services agencies need to consider the intra-community differences among immigrant seniors. This research also provides the evidence base for best practices and social policy development.