A Comparative Study on the Effect of Housing Characteristics and Living Arrangements on Well-Being of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Older Adults in Canada

Abstract

Based on analyses of three national datasets, this study explored differences in the housing (e.g., homeownership, living arrangement, size, crowding, modification, etc.) and self rated well-being characteristics (physical and mental health, life satisfaction) of immigrant versus non-immigrant older adults in Canada. The variables selected for the analyses in each dataset were slightly different based on their availability in the datasets. Findings indicated that older immigrant adults were more likely to live in a multigenerational household; life satisfaction was higher for older immigrants living with their spouse/partner or with other family members compared to those living alone; and, living in dwellings with three or more bedrooms increased the likelihood of reporting positive health and positive life satisfaction. This suggests that the presence of family members is important in maintaining overall well-being. However, homeownership did not significantly influence the well-being of older immigrants in terms of health, life satisfaction or overall experience in Canada.

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Notes on contributors

Atiya Mahmood

Atiya Mahmood, Assistant Professor, Habib Chaudhury, Associate Professor, Ann Isobel Sarte, Research Associate, and Yongiie Yon, Research Associate, are in the Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Habib Chaudhury

Atiya Mahmood, Assistant Professor, Habib Chaudhury, Associate Professor, Ann Isobel Sarte, Research Associate, and Yongiie Yon, Research Associate, are in the Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Ann Isobel Sarte

Atiya Mahmood, Assistant Professor, Habib Chaudhury, Associate Professor, Ann Isobel Sarte, Research Associate, and Yongiie Yon, Research Associate, are in the Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Yongjie Yon

Atiya Mahmood, Assistant Professor, Habib Chaudhury, Associate Professor, Ann Isobel Sarte, Research Associate, and Yongiie Yon, Research Associate, are in the Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.