Health, adaptation, and well-being of elder Tibetans living in India and Switzerland

摘要

Tibetan refugees have lived in diaspora since 1959 after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. India and Switzerland represent developing and developed nations, respectively, where these refugees were resettled. Elder Tibetans who now live in exile have aged in diaspora. Like many immigrant and refugee groups who have aged and lived in their host countries, the exile Tibetan population has faced different challenges associated with acculturating to the new environment. These individuals had to adapt to the economic, social, and cultural standards of their host nation and ensure good health and well-being for themselves and their family members.;This study examined and compared health, adaptation, and well-being of thirty elder Tibetans aged 60 years and older living in India and Switzerland. Grounded in a life course perspective and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems model, Tibetan elders were interviewed about their life experiences, health perceptions, health status, and adaptations to life in diaspora and satisfaction with their present circumstances. Their health status was measured using four scales: SF-12, ADLs, IADLs, and WHOQOL-BREF.;Results indicate that elder Tibetans have adjusted to their host nations; however, they have not assimilated. The elders have succeeded in rebuilding their lives in the new country, and they have worked hard to improve their living standard and the lives of their children. Intergenerational dynamics have changed differently in these two countries. Elders living in India received financial support from their children, whereas those in Switzerland received mostly emotional support. Elders living in Switzerland enjoyed better functional, physical, and mental health status than those in India. Differences in their present situations were due to variations in policies, practices, and opportunities that these two groups experienced in their host countries. This study presents how community, religion, efficient government support, and policies could improve and empower some of the most vulnerable people in our world.;KEYWORDS: Adaptation, Assimilation, Aging in Diaspora, Elder Tibetans, Aging and Health.