TAMPA, Fla. — As Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month comes to an end this week, Spectrum News wants to highlight an issue facing many elderly immigrants. Research shows those with limited English language skills face isolation and have trouble accessing healthcare.

USF Associate Professor Dr. Nan Sook Park has been researching the issue in older Korean immigrants for more than a decade. First, for a joint project with researchers at UCLA that was funded by the National Institute on Aging and now, for a project funded by the Florida Department of Health. Dr. Park said the findings have shown those with limited English proficiency become more and more isolated as they get older.

“When people reduce their activities or social engagement, that is associated with deteriorating heath,” Dr. Park said.

It has been seen throughout the pandemic — the negative health effects isolation had on seniors, as they were kept away from family and friends. It’s a similar concept, said Dr. Park, as these older immigrants are unable to socialize because they can’t effectively communicate. Dr. Park said going out for basic necessities can become overwhelming and health care access is limited.

“They’re afraid of facing the future,” said Dr. Park.

For those with English-speaking family members living nearby, there is some relief. According to research by AARP, Asian Americans are twice as likely to care for the elderly, compared to their counterparts in the general population. Multi-generational homes are also more common.

Dr. Park said those families are able to provide support. But for those whose families live out of state, the issue of isolation is a major concern.