BC’s mental health and addictions journal focuses on older adult immigrants and refugees

Immigrants and refugees face multiple barriers to accessing employment, housing, education and health care services. Such barriers often lead to health disparities in this population. Although newcomers are often healthier than Canadian-born individuals when they arrive, over time the physical and mental health of new immigrants begins to deteriorate, a phenomenon known as the healthy immigrant effect. These challenges are further compounded for older adult immigrants and refugees because they face personal, family and social changes later in life.

This issue of Visions explores what older adult immigrants and refugees face in their new home, and provides personal stories from the older adults themselves. Service provider stories are also highlighted, along with programs and resources designed specifically for this population.

See “Older Adult Immigrants and Refugees,” Visions: BC’s Mental Health and Addictions Journal (2010; 6[3]), available atwww.heretohelp.bc.ca.