Aging and Disability Among Vietnamese Immigrants in the United States

Vietnamese Americans are the fourth-largest Asian-origin subgroup in the United States. Their current population is estimated to be over 2.2 million. They are a unique, recent immigrant group with many first arriving as refugees and others more recently as immigrants to join the family members already in the United States. Having gone through the war experience in Vietnam, dangerous and life-threatening journeys to the United States, along with the challenges of adjusting to life in the United States, older adults of Vietnamese origin have the poorest strength compared to other Asian-origin populations. Using data from recent ongoing surveys by the US Census Bureau, we show that Vietnamese-origin older adults had the highest prevalence of disability related to independent living, self-care, cognition, ambulation, and vision than older adults of non-Hispanic White origin, as well as those of other Asian origins. Their poor health and disability status place an inordinate level of burden on family members in such a traditional familistic culture that places high value on filial piety. Policymakers and social service agencies should provide culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare to those vulnerable Vietnamese-origin older adults and their families.