Understanding Social Inclusion from the Perspective of Tamil Seniors and Service Providers in the Greater Toronto Area

Understanding Tamil seniors perspectives on social inclusion in the Greater Toronto Area is critical to inform programs and policies. The researcher engaged with 27 Tamil seniors and 13 service providers using Concept Mapping and Focus Groups. The facilitators identified by seniors in Concept Mapping sessions created a seven-cluster map: family harmony; medical system; adaptation/integration; cultural-interaction; social-interaction; financial-independence; and services for employment/settlement. The critical interpretation of the map reveals seniors emphasis on structural (e.g. old age security) and cultural (e.g. familism) dimensions. Focus Groups participants reviewed the map and their discussion on program changes focused on: reframing service delivery; culture and long-term care homes; funding/other challenges; and oblique references to socially sensitive topics. While seniors suggested necessary changes in their families, the Tamil community, and mainstream society, they remained reluctant to impose expectations on the service providers. The findings warrant more conversations between seniors and service providers, as well as inter-sectoral approaches to improve program delivery.