“These Few Blocks, These Are My Village”: The Physical Activity and Mobility of Foreign-Born Older Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The self-reported health of foreign-born older adults (FBOAs) is lower than that of nonimmigrant peers. Physical activity (PA) and mobility enhance health in older age, yet we know very little about the PA and mobility of FBOAs. In this analysis we sought to determine: (a) What factors facilitate PA amongst FBOAs? and (b) How do gender, culture, and personal biography affect participants' PA and mobility? RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We worked closely with community partners to conduct a mixed-method study in Vancouver, Canada. Eighteen visible minority FBOAs completed an in-depth interview in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, or Hindi. RESULTS: Three dominant factors promote participants' PA and mobility: (a) participants walk for well-being and socialization; (b) participants have access to a supportive social environment, which includes culturally familiar and linguistically accessible shops and services; and (c) gender and personal biography, including work history and a desire for independence, affect their PA and mobility behaviors. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: We extend the Webber et al. mobility framework, with examples that further articulate the role of gender (e.g., domestic work), culture (cultural familiarity) and personal biography (work history and a desire for familial independence) (Webber, S. C., Porter, M. M., & Menec, V. H. (2010). Mobility in older adults: A comprehensive framework. The Gerontologist, 50, 443-450. doi:10.1093/geront/gnq013). Future programming to support the PA of FBOAs should be culturally familiar and linguistically accessible.