Exploring Health Benefits through Senior Center Engagement: A Qualitative Investigation of Older Korean Immigrants

Abstract

ABSTRACT Senior centers serve as an avenue where older adults gain various health, social and psychological resources and information. This study attempted to illuminate the benefits that older Korean immigrants gained at ethno-specific senior centers. Using in-depth interviews among eighteen participants, three major themes were identified as health-related benefits: (a) experiencing self-development, (b) perceiving psychological comfort, and (c) cultivating a healthy lifestyle. This suggests that senior centers not only offered educational and self-learning opportunities but enhanced social and psychological well-being to participants. It also suggests that senior centers create a unique cultural avenue where older Korean immigrants maintain their cultural values as well as embrace new cultural perspectives.