2000/2001 PCERII Funded Research Abstract
| Research Title: | Resiliency and Well-Being: Reflections of Older Adults on Immigration and Integration |
| Research Team: | Laura E. Taylor University of Manitoba - Principal Investigator |
| Maria Cheung University of Manitoba | |
| Paul Newman University of Manitoba | |
| Len Spearman University of Manitoba | |
| Sharon Taylor-Henley University of Manitoba |
| Research Domain(s): | Social & Cultural |
Meanings of health are complex, socially constructed and malleable depending on the context and the extent and impact of social relationships. This study explores the meanings of well-being and resiliency of older adults as they reflect on their lived stories of immigration and integration within Canadian society. Study participants will be drawn from three sets of older immigrants and refugees: i) those seniors who immigrated as young adults in the post-World War II era (ages 21-35); (ii) those seniors who immigrated in mid-life (ages 36-49); and (iii) those seniors who immigrated in later life (ages 50 and over). Our sample will include both ESL and non-ESL seniors to explore the relationship of language capacity to health and social well being. The data will be collected using a triangulation of data collection methods including: Focus groups using both structured questions and open-ended discussion; teaching modules and discussion on health and resiliency in ESL classes; and Individual and Couples interviews. Analysis will involve both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The research will use a participatory research model, in which seniors will be actively involved in all aspects of the research: as advisor/designers; as participants; and as respondents to the findings.