Living arrangements and lifestyle satisfaction among the elderly in Chinese immigrant families: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND The aims of this preliminary study were to understand the relationship between the living arrangements and lifestyle satisfaction through investigating how choices of living arrangements impacted upon lifestyle satisfaction of elderly Chinese immigrants in London. METHODS A qualitative research methodology with semi-structured, face-to-face and in-depth interviews was utilized with eight elderly couples of Chinese immigrant families from Vietnam and Hong Kong. RESULTS The results indicated that the desirability of current lifestyle was associated with lifestyle satisfaction. Among 12 participants who desired their current lifestyles, nine reported this having a "positive effect" on their lifestyle satisfaction, and no negative effects were reported. In comparison, the negative effects on lifestyle satisfaction were found among four participants who did not desire their current independent residence from their adult children. The reasons the participants desired or not their current lifestyles and the effects on their lifestyle satisfaction were explored qualitatively. The participants might consider family situations (finance, health, age, and kin network) to some extent. but not see them as key determinants in making decisions about living arrangements. However, the Chinese cultural beliefs in living arrangement choices were highly visible in their reports. CONCLUSION The findings suggested that the elderly participants' desirability of their current lifestyles was positively associated with the level of lifestyle satisfaction. The issue of the living arrangements and lifestyle satisfaction of the elderly acquires new significance at a time when the population in Taiwan is aging, and the socio-economic and cultural changes are more radical than ever.