Browsing by Author "Lai, Daniel W. L."
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Item Formal social participation and utilization of community-based services among urban elderly Chinese living alone in Shanghai, China(2019) Tong, Hongmei; Lai, Daniel W. L.; Walsh, Christine A.This research examined formal social participation among elderly Chinese adults living alone and the association between utilization of community-based services and formal social participation, which refers to participation in employment, volunteer jobs, and social groups. Using a secondary analysis on a survey data from a simple random sample of 228 adults aged 60 and older living alone in a Shanghai neighborhood, it was found that only small percentage of older adults living alone were involved in formal social participation. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that use of community-based services is significantly associated with formal social participation among elderly Chinese living alone. Thus, future policies and programs should focus on strengthening community-based services for elderly Chinese, to more effectively promote and facilitate their social participation.Item Social exclusion and mental well-being of older people in rural China(2016) Tong, Hongmei; Lai, Daniel W. L.; Guo, AimeiThe growth of the aging population in China is an important reality facing professionals and policy makers working with older adults. Challenges and needs related to the mental health of older adults, particularly those in rural areas in China, have been understudied. This cross-sectional study involved 499 older adults randomly selected from four rural counties in Jiangsu Province, China. Social exclusion was measured according to material resources, housing conditions, social relations, civic participation, and basic services. Mental health indicators included depression, happiness, and worry. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between social exclusion and mental health variables. Exclusion related to material resources, housing conditions, social relations, participation, and basic community services were found to be negatively associated with mental health outcomes. Social policies and programs to reduce various forms of social exclusion should be developed in order to enhance the mental health of older Chinese in rural areas.Item Social inclusion and immigrant older adults(2021) Tong, Hongmei; Walsh, Christine A.; Bouchard, Nathalie; Lai, Daniel W. L.Social inclusion is crucial to older adults as it facilitates them to stay actively; gives them a sense of belonging, purpose, and accomplishment; and enhances their quality of life. Social inclusion also offers opportunities for older adults to continue contributing to the development of society based on their needs, preferences, and abilities. Given the population of immigrants has grown globally, and immigrant older adults are often neglected in policy making, this chapter will discuss the concepts of social inclusion and social exclusion in the context of immigration and specifically for immigrant older adults based on current literature and previous studies. Policy implications and practice recommendations will be outlined.