The Unique Health Status and Health Care Experiences of Older Asian Americans: Research Findings and Treatment Recommendations

Asian Americans over 65 years of age are among the fastest growing minority groups in the United States. Although the health status of Asian Americans when considered as a group is remarkably good, certain Asian American groups suffer high rates of illness and disability from specific health causes. Older Asian Americans often face unique types of barriers to seeking and receiving care, including language and health literacy obstacles, culture-specific stigma around receipt of health care, challenges with access, and lack of health insurance. Furthermore, the wide spectrum of linguistic and cultural diversity in these groups, as well as the varied immigration experiences of this heterogeneous population, warrants better understanding of their unique health status and health and mental health care needs. Improved clinical care and more detailed epidemiologic research is therefore needed to better define the health status and needs of this diverse, expanding group.