The life satisfaction among older East Asian immigrants: sexual attitudes and knowledge

ABSTRACT

Sexuality in later life is an essential factor for quality of life among older adults However, little is known about the sexuality of older adult immigrants from East Asia who have experienced both Western and Eastern cultures. In addition, we have limited information about the mechanism of how sexual attitudes impact life satisfaction through knowledge of sexuality. To address these knowledge gaps, a cross-sectional research design was conducted by collecting data from older East Asian immigrants aged 60 or over in a large city in a Midwestern state. We analyzed 96 responses using exploratory factor analysis and mediation analysis. The results showed that older adult immigrants who had more open sexual attitudes were likely to possess accurate sexual knowledge. Older adult immigrants’ sexual knowledge mediated the relationship between their sexual attitudes and life satisfaction. The findings highlight the importance of lifelong sexual education for older adult immigrants and recommend social workers train in culturally sensitive approaches.

Acknowledgments

Jee Hoon Park, the original Principal Investigator of the grant proposal of this study, passed away suddenly. On behalf of Jeen Hoon, the authors completed his proposed study with deep sorrow about the tragedy. The authors acknowledge Jee Hoon’s scholarship and passion for the aging research. Also, the authors would like to thank all participants in this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This research was supported by 2015-2016 Okura Mental Health Scholarship for Asian and Pacific Islander Social Workers, The Asian and Pacific Islander Social Work Educators Association (APISWEA), an affiliate organization with Council of Social Work Education.