In Canada, senior immigrants from racial and ethnic minority groups often feel lonely and socially isolated. This can be attributed to challenges like limited English ability, poor social networks, mobility barriers and limited understanding of Canadian culture and social systems. They also face the intersecting challenges of ageism, stress from changing cultures and racism. This can make their mental health worse.

Despite this impact, relevant studies about mental health services for senior immigrants in Winnipeg are lacking. We want to improve the use of mental health services among senior immigrants from racial and ethnic minority groups in Canada. We’ll do this through the qualitative understanding of their stressors, their barriers to accessing mental health services and their expectations toward the supports they receive.

This qualitative study will invite senior immigrants who moved to Winnipeg from the Philippines, India, and Mainland China to participate in in-person focus groups (IPFGs). Five IPFGs will be conducted per ethnic group. Each IPFG will consist of 10 to 12 participants and last 90 to 120 minutes. We will explore participants' experiences related to stressors, barriers and expected outcomes.

Our findings will increase the cultural competence of mental health professionals in Canada. They’ll also help mental health services in developing culturally tailored interventions and services for senior immigrant clients in Canada.