Asian American Elderly Participants in Congregate Dining Programs

This exploratory study compared sociodemographic characteristics as well as health and nutritional statuses of Asian American participants (n = 104) with those of white (n = 350) and other minority (n = 41) participants in congregate meal programs in a large metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. A larger proportion of Asian American elders than those in the other two groups were married. Nearly 40% of Asian Americans, in contrast to 29% of whites, had income below the poverty line. In terms of health and nutritional status, Asian Americans were better off than the other minority participants but worse off than white participants. Given their language barrier, fewer Asian Americans would have participated in the meal programs if three meal sites in Asian American ethnic neighborhoods had not been established. Outreach strategies needed to attract eligible nonparticipating minority elders are discussed.