Correlates of living alone among single elderly Chinese immigrants in Canada

According to traditional Chinese culture, families will care for their elderly. Therefore, it appears to be uncommon for elderly Chinese to live alone. This study examines the correlates for single elderly Chinese immigrants in Canada to live alone. Using a probability sample of single elderly Chinese immigrants (N = 660) in seven urban centers, hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the effects of socio-demographic resource variables, health, and cultural variables. The findings show that 39.1% of single elderly Chinese immigrants reported to be living alone. Variables related to resources, functioning capacity, and acculturation related variables are the key correlates for the elderly Chinese immigrants to maintain independence in the community. The findings imply a need to develop culturally sensitive programs to strengthen the social support, financial stability, and functioning capacity of the elderly immigrants.