Intercultural Study of Older Chinese Immigrants’ Social Connection and Active Ageing in Australia

This study aims to explore the challenges older Chinese immigrants (aged 55 and older) face in Australia, while identifying good practices, some of which are utilised in maintaining an active lifestyle, after moving to Australia. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has been applied in this study. Focus group, interview and storytelling were adopted, for in-depth conversations and subsequent analysis. The research team worked closely with three Chinese associations (one in West Australia and two in Australian Capital Territory), for the primary study. The study helped to identify the benefits of involving creative practice in the older Chinese immigrants’ active ageing, in a multicultural environment. It also provided the opportunity to understand the changes senior immigrants have made, after joining regular group activities, including their communication habits, their access to local information and their fashion needs and consumption.