”I Feel Like a Stranger in the Community:” Social Isolation of Older African Immigrants

TL;DR

This study explores how older African immigrants in the US experience social isolation due to limited community engagement and cultural barriers.

Contribution

The paper provides novel insights into the unique social isolation experiences of older African immigrants, a population previously understudied in this context.

Findings

Older African immigrants often feel like strangers in their communities due to limited social engagement.

Barriers like language, cultural differences, and transportation contribute to social isolation.

Most participants have lived in the US for less than 10 years and lack social connections outside their families.

Abstract

Social isolation—limited interactions, relationships, and engagements with others—negatively impacts health outcomes, particularly among older adults, leading to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Yet little is known about social isolation amongst older African immigrants, a population at increased risk for social isolation. Using a qualitative narrative design, we explored the social isolation experiences of a purposive sample of African immigrants aged ≥60 years recruited across the US (N = 11). In-depth video/phone, audiotaped interviews were completed using a semi-structured guide. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. The sample was 55% female, 63–79 years old, mostly Nigerian (n = 7), with no primary/secondary education (n = 4), widowed (n = 4), and spouse not in the US (n = 4). All lived with family, and most (n = 10) have lived in the US for < 10 years. We identified two major themes: 1) minimal social engagement outside the family, with participants feeling like strangers in their communities; and 2) barriers to social engagement outside the home, including security concerns, a lack of individuals to socialize with, language barriers and cultural differences, and transportation challenges. Findings indicate that feeling like a stranger, lacking social connections, cultural differences, and lack of transportation contribute to feelings of isolation amongst older African immigrants. African immigrant communities should be educated about the challenges faced by their older adults. Likewise, practitioners and policymakers should prioritize interventions that encourage meaningful engagement of older African immigrants to improve their health and quality of life.