An Exploration of the Barriers of Accessing Social Support Experienced by Retired Chinese Migrants, aged 65+ living in Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

According to Census 2013, approximately 25% of Auckland's population is Asian, with the majority of these being Chinese. Given that New Zealand's population is ageing, it can be expected that there will a significant demand for aged services for Chinese older adults in our local community in the future. The different perspectives between Chinese and Western cultures on obtaining and offering social support will be a critical issue because it directly influences older adults' quality of life in New Zealand and delivery from service providers. Hence, this thesis explores obstacles encountered by retired and aged (65+) Chinese migrants living in Auckland. To date, this issue has not been explored in New Zealand, especially obstacles facing retired Chinese migrants who seek support outside their own family. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the major barriers that hinder retired Chinese migrants from integrating into their new community. Local service practitioners are also an important part of this study - they were invited to share their perspective about serving retired Chinese migrants. Findings from the research have the potential to be an important resource for local service practitioners, giving them a better understanding of old people with a Chinese background. The qualitative research study comprised two focus groups to gather most of the data: a retired Chinese migrants' group (group 1) and a local practitioners' group (group 2). Before the group discussion, each participant was given a questionnaire (Appendices K and L) and they were asked to complete it individually. The group discussion with the retired Chinese migrants explored the barriers to getting social services in Aotearoa/New Zealand while the local service practitioners discussed their perspectives on serving retired Chinese migrants. Each interview lasted approximately one hour and there were no follow-up interviews. The data collection and analysis process also included any public information, such as the vision and mission of the organisation, as well as any additional information voluntarily provided by the interviewees. Data analysis was used to draw tentative conclusions and suggest how local aged-services providers could connect to retired Chinese migrants. Keywords: retired Chinese migrants, quality of life, social support, barriers to accessing social support, immigration, aged service.