Chapter 3 The Impact of the 9/11 Attacks on the Elderly in NYC Chinatown

Abstract

This article discusses the findings of a study on the impact of the 9/11 attacks on the elderly Chinese immigrants in Chinatown, a community in close proximity to the World Trade Center. The findings reveal the stories of a vulnerable population who suffered extensive traumatization from 9/11, and describes their struggles with their issues of loss from a history of poverty, war and immigration. Implications of service recommendations are made in the context of the participants' help-seeking behavior and their cultural beliefs and norms.

Key Words:

• 9/11 attacks
• Chinese elderly
• service recommendations
• cultural beliefs