The South Asian Elderly of Leicester, England: A Study of Their Service Needs and the Service Delivery Role of the South Asian Ethnic Organizations.

N

30

Cross Cultural Studies; Cultural Context; Ethnic Groups; Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Immigrants; Individual Needs; Needs Assessment; Older Adults; Social Science Research; Social Services

A study analyzed the service needs of the South Asian elderly population of Leicester, England, and also dealt with the role of South Asian ethnic organizations in delivery of services to these elderly. The South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis) constitute about 23% of the population of the city and number around 65000 persons. It is estimated that the city of Leicester has about 50000 elderly people (60+) of these elderly, South Asians number slightly over 11000. The service needs of these South Asian elderly are comparable to that of the general elderly population of Leicester. Studies have also identified some special needs of the South Asian elderly. The services of the public and nonprofit organizations of Leicester are available to all elderly, and a number of South Asian organizations are responding to the special needs of the South Asian elderly. Public funds and some voluntary contributions fund these organizations. South Asian elderly in Leicester also need access to caregivers with South Asian language skills since some South Asian elderly do not speak English. The South Asian ethnic organizations appear to be responsive to the special needs of the South Asian elderly population of England. Needs assessment for the elderly should be ongoing, as should be assessment of the effectiveness of the various programs designed for the South Asian elderly population of Leicester. This study is an example of a cross-cultural study in social gerontology. Contains 5 tables of data and 37 references. Appended are illustrations, maps, and data relating to the South Asian elderly population of Leicester. (BT)

2001

ED444910