Seniors on the margins Seniors from ethnocultural minorities

Conclusion

This paper has provided an overview of some of the key issues that contribute to the marginalization of seniors from ethnocultural communities. Seniors whose language and/or culture are different from the majority can find themselves isolated and at risk for physical and mental health problems and poverty. In addition, seniors who have recently immigrated to Canada, especially women, are at particular risk of being marginalized.

Given that Canada's population is not only aging but is also becoming increasingly diverse, it is crucial that the factors for marginalization be well understood in order that action can be taken to ensure the full integration, improved quality of life and equality of seniors from ethnocultural minority communities.

We trust that NACA's recommendations to improve income, to provide better access to health, community support and long-term care services, and to increase research into ethnicity and aging will provide tools for reducing marginalization of Canada's seniors from ethnic minorities.

Acknowledgements

The Council wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the following people in the development of its position paper:

• Prof. Anju Joshi, McMaster University; and Ms. Sucy Eapen, Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC), for providing comments on earlier versions of this paper;

• Gail Elliott, McMaster University, for providing the case scenarios which appear in boxes in this paper;

• Dr. Hugh Grant, University of Winnipeg; Dr. Laura Taylor, University of Windsor; Dr. Daniel Lai, University of Calgary; and Dr. Gwen Yeo, Stanford Geriatric Education Center, for providing advance copies of their research papers; and

• Ms. Sucy Eapen, (CEC); and Ms. Doris Rajon, Roeher Institute, for presenting at the workshop "Seniors Living on the Margins," hosted by NACA at the Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology in October 2003.

Appendix

Canadian Council For Refugees – Best Practices for Settlement Services for Refugees and Immigrants in Canada

The underlying principles of these guidelines can be applied/ adopted when developing various programs and services for ethnocultural minority seniors:

1. Services are accessible to all who need them.
2. Services are offered in an inclusive manner, respectful of, and sensitive to, diversity.
3. Clients are empowered by services.
4. Services respond to needs as defined by users.
5. Services take account of complex, multifaceted, interrelated dimensions of settlement and integration.
6. Services are delivered in a manner that fully respects the rights and dignity of the individual.
7. Services are delivered in a manner that is culturally sensitive.
8. Services promote the development of newcomer communities and newcomer participation in the wider community and develop communities that are welcoming of newcomers.
9. Services are delivered in a spirit of collaboration.
10. Service delivery is made accountable to the communities served.
11. Services are oriented to promoting positive change in the lives of newcomers and in the capacity of society to offer equality of opportunity for all.
12. Services are based on reliable, up-to-date information.

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