Chinese Older People: A Need for Social Inclusion in Two Communities

Chinese older people living in the UK suffer from a number of disadvantages compounded by exclusion from both their own community and the mainstream community. Not only do Chinese older people find it difficult to access social and public services, but their own community is also not strong enough to provide them with the necessary care and support. This dual exclusion undermines their quality of life. Through interviews with 100 Chinese older people, focus groups and discussion with those working with older people in the community, Chinese older people looks at: specific issues for women and middle-aged men; retirement and self-esteem; culture and traditional values; the social networks used by Chinese older people; lifelong learning; participation. The report concludes with suggestions for good policy and practice for promoting Chinese older people's inclusion in both communities. Chinese older people is essential reading for anyone working with or providing services to older people and excluded ethnic minority groups, as well as policy makers and researchers interested in older people or the dynamics of ethnic communities.