'Nowhere to go:' older African immigrants' experience of loneliness while living with adult children in the United States.

Objectives: Loneliness emerged in previous studies as a challenge that negatively impacts older immigrants' physical and mental health. Despite the rapid growth of this population in the United States, there is limited knowledge about the loneliness experiences of older African immigrants. This study explored the loneliness experiences of older African immigrants living with their adult children in the United States.

Methods: In‑depth interviews were conducted with nine participants aged 69‑84. The tape recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.

Results: Findings show that loneliness is prevalent among older African immigrants, despite living with their adult children's family. Four major themes emerged from the study: 1) "Nowhere to go": Loneliness experience, 2) "It makes one sick if one is doing nothing": Consequences of loneliness, 3) "My grandkid makes me happy": Protective strategies, and 4) "If they ask older people to come. I will go there": Way forward in the community.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that living with adult children may not prevent the experience of loneliness for older immigrant parents. Interventions that promote social interactions and embeddedness into the United States community are needed to ensure a good quality of life for older African immigrants.