Understanding Aging in Place Among Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong: A Qualitative Study Using the Social-Ecological Model

In developed regions, most older adults prefer to age in their own homes, or aging in place (AIP), rather than in institutions. However, research on aging choices among ethnic minority (EM) elderly yields inconsistent results, which implies that the underlying mechanisms of the EM elderly’s aging choices remain limited. This study aims to answer what drives the EM elderly’s aging choices by exploring their lived experiences in Hong Kong. We extended the social-ecological model with cultural elements at each analytical level to explore the multifaceted reasons. Using semi-structured interviews and participant observation involving 23 elderly from ethnic Pakistani, Indian, and Nepalese backgrounds, this study found that the EM elderly in Hong Kong prefer to age in place, particularly in their own homes, while are not willing and prepared to consider nursing homes. Particularly, the elderly’s traditional cultural values in terms of family relationships and place attachment towards home, and their limited access to nursing facilities contribute to their preference of aging in place. This study contributes to exploring the aging mode of ethnic minorities in developed regions, especially in an Asian society, where the research on EM aging is limited. It offers policy implications for identifying inequalities in care planning, promoting aging in place among diverse populations, and developing culturally compatible services.