The aging Indian diaspora in the U.S. faces unique challenges, prompting calls for early investment in culturally competent elderly services, according to Anni Chung of Self-Help for the Elderly.
The Indian diaspora is experiencing significant demographic shifts, with a 2023 study indicating that approximately 13 percent of Indian immigrants in the United States are over the age of 65. This trend has led many younger immigrants to encourage their aging parents in India to relocate to the U.S. for better care and support.
However, this influx of elderly immigrants creates a pressing demand for culturally and linguistically appropriate care, a challenge compounded by the ongoing shortage of caregivers in the country. For many newly arrived seniors, adjusting to a new culture and language while striving for self-reliance can be daunting.
To address these challenges, Self-Help for the Elderly, a nonprofit organization founded in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1966, provides multicultural and multilingual services tailored to senior immigrants. The organization offers culturally appropriate caregiving and professional training, assisting seniors in acclimating to their new environment. Self-Help serves older adults across five Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa, and operates senior centers in Millbrae, San Mateo, Sunnyvale, San Jose, and multiple locations in San Francisco. Additionally, they provide affordable housing options in San Francisco and Oakland.
In a recent interview with India Currents during the California Connects regional convening in San Francisco, Anni Chung, President and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, emphasized the importance of communities proactively preparing for the needs of an aging population by training service providers early.
Chung explained that the organization primarily serves Asian immigrants, assisting over 50,000 seniors annually through extensive healthcare and nutrition programs. Approximately 70 percent of the seniors served are from China, including regions such as mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, while the remainder includes individuals from Vietnam and the Philippines.
Many of the seniors served by Self-Help arrive in the U.S. later in life, often sponsored by their children. Chung noted that these elderly immigrants often seek to live near their families but may find themselves isolated due to the geographic spread of their children’s workplaces.
“For instance, if their child sponsors them to move to San Francisco, they may feel comfortable in a large Chinese community,” Chung said. “However, if their children work in Silicon Valley or San Jose, the elderly parents may have to travel an hour to reconnect with their cultural community.” This separation can lead to feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction, as many older adults find life in the U.S. does not meet their expectations.
When it comes to employment, Chung highlighted a critical gap in understanding among older immigrants regarding Social Security and Medicare benefits. Many believe that upon turning 65, they will automatically receive these benefits, not realizing that they need a work history in the U.S. to qualify. “At Self-Help, we recognize that older adults often need vocational training to secure jobs that will help them meet the necessary employment history for benefits,” she explained.
Chung noted that older immigrants often come from diverse economic backgrounds, with many arriving from lower-income professions such as farming or teaching. While some may have the ability to work, others may lack the necessary resources or health to pursue employment.
For those who arrive with little to no income, Self-Help assists them in accessing Medi-Cal for health coverage or helps them navigate Covered California. Chung emphasized the importance of community centers in providing social engagement and resources for older immigrants, allowing them to build connections and reduce feelings of isolation.
Self-Help for the Elderly collaborates with state government agencies to secure grants for outreach work and to advocate for policies that support the aging population. Chung pointed out that ageism remains a significant barrier in the workplace, with older workers often facing subtle discrimination. She urged the Employment Development Department to scrutinize employers who lack policies against age discrimination.
Chung also discussed the cultural adjustments that older immigrants face, particularly when their children have adapted to American lifestyles. Many elderly immigrants find themselves waiting for phone calls from their children, which may not always come due to their busy lives. “We encourage seniors to cultivate their own social circles and engage in community activities,” she said. “If they have their own friends and activities, they are less likely to feel disappointed.”
Self-Help organizes various activities, including travel groups for seniors, allowing them to explore places like China, Vietnam, and even Europe. Chung shared a story of a senior who documented their travels, describing it as one of the happiest times of their life.
Language barriers also pose significant challenges for older immigrants, as many speak languages other than English at home. Chung noted that two-thirds of Asian immigrants fall into the category of Limited English Proficiency, which can hinder their ability to access public services and participate in community activities. To combat this, Self-Help offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to help seniors improve their language skills.
In response to the growing need for culturally appropriate elder care, Chung highlighted the importance of training caregivers within the community. “It would be beneficial for the South Asian community to start training caregivers who can provide services in their native languages,” she stated. “We recognized this gap over 30 years ago and began training caregivers to meet the needs of our community.”
While Self-Help receives some federal funding for workforce development, Chung expressed concern about potential cuts to these programs. She emphasized the need for continued support to ensure that the necessary training and resources are available for caregivers and seniors alike.
As the Indian diaspora continues to age, the call for communities to invest in early-stage elderly services becomes increasingly urgent. By fostering culturally competent care and support systems, organizations like Self-Help for the Elderly can help bridge the gap for older immigrants, ensuring they receive the care and community engagement they deserve.
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