The Sociocultural Reality of the Asian Immigrant Elderly

SUMMARY

This article discusses how traditional social group work practice, with its conscious use of group activity and its non-verbal content, can serve as a culturally compatible service model to benefit the Asian American immigrant elderly. The goals and nature of group work practice are examined in the context of addressing the demands of this population's sociocultural reality. Cultural-specific constructs of psychological well-being and forms of emotion expression are examined to support this premise. A case illustration is used to supplement the discussion.

Key Words:

• Asian immigrant elderly
• purpose and nature of groups