AAPI Nexus: Policy, Practice and Community

Health studies on older Asian Americans based on national and statewide representative data are scarce. This study examined subgroup differences in demographic, socioeconomic and general health status, health conditions, and access to health care services among five groups of Asian Americans aged 60 or older (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese), using data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey. Significant differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health status, chronic conditions, and coverage and use of health care services were found in the five groups, indicating the complexity, diversity, and heterogeneity of older Asian American populations. Practice and research implications are discussed.