AARP releases first of three-part research series on AAPIs age 50+
WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to new report released today from AARP, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are more likely to provide caregiving for older family members at home. “Caregiving Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” is the first of three reports by AARP about key advocacy areas that impact AAPIs age 50 and older. The next two reports about Economic Security and Health will be released in December and January respectively.
“Our report underscores the need for more data and knowledge about older AAPIs,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience. “It is my hope that our reports help individuals, community-based organizations, policy makers, non-profit groups, and funders make informed decisions about the critical needs and concerns of AAPI communities.”
AARP data about caregiving among AAPIs shows that:
More than any other racial or ethnic group, the vast majority of AAPIs believe that caring for parents is expected of them. A much higher percentage (73%) of AAPIs age 45-55 compared to just under half of the total population of the same age (49%) say they are expected to care for their aging parents. In fact, 42% of AAPIs in the survey identified themselves as caregivers versus just 22% of other Americans.
AAPIs are more likely to provide caregiving for their parents or older relatives. They are more likely to talk to doctors or health providers (54% versus 36% of the total population of the same age), contribute financially (51% versus 27%), and handle paper work or bills (41% versus 33%) than the total population of the same age.
Due to cultural attitudes about filial piety, AAPI families are resistant to moving their parents to nursing homes or similar facilities and prefer caregiving be done at home by family members.
AAPIs are more likely than other Americans to live in multigenerational households. With the heavy expectation that care should be provided by one’s own family, larger households help enable caregiving. Many more AAPIs 50+ live in multigenerational households compared to other Americans (17% versus 7%).
For more information about how AARP helps Asian American & Pacific Islander families get more out of life,visit www.AARP.org/AAPI, www.facebook.com/AARPAAPICommunity and www.twitter.com/AARPAAPI.
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.