Case Study: An Older Immigrant Couple Mr. And Mrs. Arahan

Case Study: An Older Immigrant Couple: Mr. and Mrs. Arahan

Mr. and Mrs. Arahan, an elderly couple in their seventies, live with their daughter, her husband, and their two grandchildren in a middle-income suburb of a metropolitan city. Both have college educations and full-time work backgrounds from their native country. Mr. Arahan, being the only child of wealthy parents, inherited substantial wealth and real estate. Their daughter, a registered nurse in the U.S., married her husband, a drug company representative, after immigrating when they became U.S. citizens. The couple moved to the U.S. to enjoy retirement, adjusting reasonably well due to their good health and fluency in English.

Initially, their routine involved caring for grandchildren and household chores, but as their grandchildren grew older, they experienced feelings of isolation and a longing for a more active life. Changes in their daughter's work commitments meant they socialized less with family and friends, leading to concerns about loneliness and health. They considered returning to their home country but faced political and economic challenges, as well as attachment to their life in the U.S., including access to modern amenities. They also worried about aging, potential health decline, and their daughter's limited financial resources meant primarily for grandchildren's education. They expressed these concerns to their daughter, who became worried about their emotional and physical well-being.

Their regular church attendance introduced them to a parish nurse, a retired registered nurse who offered health support and guidance. The couple met with her to discuss health issues and resources available in the community. Their situation highlights various needs: strategies to improve their quality of life, utilization of community resources, ways for their family to combat loneliness, and health promotion activities for aging well.

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Enhancing the quality of life for older adults like Mr. and Mrs. Arahan involves a multifaceted approach that addresses physical health, emotional well-being, social integration, and community engagement. As people age, their health becomes more vulnerable, and social isolation can significantly impact mental and physical health. Therefore, the first step is implementing individualized health promotion strategies. These include regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, balanced nutrition, and physical activities suited to their abilities, such as walking or gentle exercises, which are supported by evidence indicating their positive impact on aging populations (World Health Organization, 2020). Engaging in such activities can help prevent chronic diseases, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

Furthermore, mental health support is critical. Facilitating access to counseling services or support groups, especially those tailored for immigrants or elderly individuals, can mitigate feelings of loneliness and promote psychological resilience (Rubinstein et al., 2021). These groups can also serve as platforms for social interaction, alleviating isolation. In this regard, utilizing community-based resources such as parish nursing, senior centers, and faith-based organizations can be invaluable. Parish nurses, like the one Mr. and Mrs. Arahan met, can deliver health education, screenings, and referrals to appropriate healthcare services, acting as a bridge between the elderly and the broader health system (Sabbatino et al., 2017).

Community resources extend further to senior centers offering recreational activities, language classes, and cultural programs that reinforce their sense of community and purpose (National Council on Aging, 2018). These programs encourage social participation, foster new friendships, and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement. Additionally, local transportation services facilitate access to healthcare, shopping, and social activities, especially crucial for those with mobility limitations (Fitzpatrick et al., 2020). The use of technology, such as video calls or social media, can also help bridge geographical and social gaps, keeping older adults connected with family, friends, and community events.

Addressing their feelings of isolation requires a coordinated family approach. Their daughter and her family can play a pivotal role by establishing routines for regular contact—whether through visits, phone calls, or virtual meetings. Creating shared activities, such as family dinners or outings tailored to their mobility and interests, can foster closer bonds. Encouraging the grandparents’ participation in grandchildren’s activities or community events can also reinforce their sense of purpose and belonging (Lee, 2019). Moreover, involving them in decision-making about potential future living arrangements, such as aging-in-place modifications at home or exploring assisted living options, can empower them and reduce anxiety related to aging and health decline.

Preventive health promotion activities are vital to maintain their independence and quality of life. These include promoting vaccination adherence, screening for common age-related conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis, and encouraging activities that improve balance and strength to prevent falls (CDC, 2022). Social engagement initiatives, such as volunteer opportunities or cultural groups, can offer psychological benefits and a sense of contribution. Education about self-care, medication management, and recognizing early signs of health deterioration is also essential. In addition, addressing their concerns about seasonal changes, especially harsh winters, with appropriate home modifications and health precautions can enhance comfort and safety (American Geriatrics Society, 2019).

In conclusion, improving the quality of life for elderly immigrants like Mr. and Mrs. Arahan necessitates a comprehensive approach involving community resources, family support, health promotion, and emotional well-being initiatives. Collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and family members can create a supportive environment that promotes aging with dignity, independence, and purpose. Implementing these strategies will help ensure they enjoy a healthier, more connected, and fulfilling later life.

References

• American Geriatrics Society. (2019). Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(4), 916-931.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Falls Prevention in Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/index.html
• Fitzpatrick, A. L., et al. (2020). Transportation Interventions for Older Adults: Strategies for Promoting Access and Aging in Place. Gerontologist, 60(3), 504-512.
• Lee, S. (2019). Family Relationships and the Well-Being of Older Adults. Aging & Mental Health, 23(2), 265-273.
• National Council on Aging. (2018). Senior Centers and Group Activities. https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/senior-centers
• Rubinstein, A., et al. (2021). Psychological Resilience and the Elderly: Strategies for Enhancing Mental Health. Aging & Mental Health, 25(4), 620-629.
• Sabbatino, M. A., et al. (2017). Parish Nursing: An Integrative Model of Community-Based Nursing for the Elderly. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 34(3), 161-171.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Ageing and Health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health