DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115918">
 

Self-reported cognitive aging and well-being among older Middle Eastern/Arab American immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2023

Department/School

Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology

Publication Title

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges for cognitive aging since it brought interruptions in family relations for older adults in immigrant communities. This study examines the consequences of COVID-19 for the familial and social support systems of aging Middle Eastern/Arab immigrants in Michigan, the largest concentration in the United States. We conducted six focus groups with 45 participants aged 60 and older to explore participant descriptions of changes and difficulties faced during the pandemic relating to their cognitive health, familial and social support systems, and medical care. The findings indicate challenges around social distancing for older Middle Eastern/Arab American immigrants, which generated three overarching themes: fear, mental health, and social relationships. These themes provide unique insights into the lived experiences of older Middle Eastern/Arab American adults during the pandemic and bring to light culturally embedded risks to cognitive health and well-being. A focus on the well-being of older Middle Eastern/Arab American immigrants during COVID-19 advances understanding of how environmental contexts inform immigrant health disparities and the sociocultural factors that shape minority aging.

Comments

K. J. Ajrouch is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology.

Link to Published Version

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115918

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