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Unmet needs and depressive symptoms among low-income older adults
- Authors:
- CHOI Namkee G., McDOUGALL Graham
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52(6), August 2009, pp.567-583.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study examined whether low-income older adults' perceived unmet need for home- and community-based services for many ageing-associated problems would be independently associated with their depressive symptoms, controlling for known risk and protective factors. A total of 213 community-residing older people were interviewed to assess their depressive symptoms, using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and unmet needs in the areas of personal assistance, instrumental and environmental support, emotional support and other facilitative/enabling services. Findings were that the number of unmet needs was significantly positively associated with these older adults' depressive symptoms, although it explained only a small proportion of the variance of the GDS scores. Future research and practice implications are discussed.
Diversity within diversity: research and social work practice issues with Asian American elders
- Author:
- CHOI Namkee G.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 3(3/4), 2001, pp.301-319.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Asian American elderly form a heterogeneous group with respect to immigration history, ethnic/cultural background, socio economic position, and health and mental health status. This article provides an overview of the internal heterogeneity within the Asian American elderly population and identifies those who experience multiple stressors affecting their quality of life. Then it discusses barriers to formal service utilisation as well as strengths and deficits of informal support systems. To better serve Asian American elders with their multiple needs for health, mental health, and social services, increased funding is recommended for research on this group, diversification of social service programmes in coethnic communities, and increased cultural competence in non-Asian social service agencies.