Ethnic Disparities in Social and Economic Wellbeing among the Immigrant Aged

Siew-Ean Khoo, Australian National University

The paper examines ethnic disparities in the social and economic wellbeing of the immigrant aged in Australia and the factors affecting older immigrants’ wellbeing as measured by a range of indicators. The data analysis is guided by the concept of the ‘Third Age’ as the basis for a more positive approach to the discussion of ageing and as a life-cycle stage of independent living in old age, focusing on the pursuit of an active retirement and the absence of core activity restrictions. Data from the 2006 population census on living arrangements, household income, participation in paid work, volunteering and need for assistance with core activities are used to examine the social and economic wellbeing of the immigrant population aged 65 and over identified by their country/region of origin, length of residence in Australia and ethnicity, and in comparison with the Australian-born aged. Policy implications of the research findings are discussed.