Acculturative Stress as Experienced by Filipino Grandparents in America: A Qualitative Study

AbstractThe aim of this qualitative study was to describe the factors that contribute to acculturative stress among recent older adult immigrants (N = 40) who co-reside with their children in the USA. Results of the qualitative analysis yielded three main themes with corresponding subthemes. The main themes were (a) aging in America, (b) losing sense of agency, and (c) feeling alienated/Being needed. Nurses and practitioners who interact with grandparents who are recent immigrants need to explore issues related to isolation and emotional distress. Assisting these individuals in the development of supportive environments may help moderate their acculturative stress.