Name
A spatial-quantitative analysis of primary healthcare access among Chinese immigrant older adults in Toronto, Canada
Date & Time
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Description
Older adults are the fastest growing age group in Canada and about 1 in 5 people are over the age of 65 (2021 Canadian census). Older adults are a highly culturally diverse age group, with approximately 30% are immigrants. The rapid increase of immigrant older adult population has led to increased demand for timely and culturally appropriate primary care. Yet, immigrant older adults are particularly vulnerable facing spatial (such as distance) and aspatial (such as language and economic) barriers accessing care. The study examines the spatial accessibility of primary care physicians among Chinese immigrant older adults in Toronto. Chinese are the second largest ethnic minority groups in Canada, with a prominent presence in Toronto, Canada’s largest urban centre. The study utilized a range of secondary and primary data including: geocoded primary care physician locations, geo-referenced population census at a census tract level, and an online survey. Spatial-quantitative analyses were conducted to calculate travel time and distance, and model potential spatial accessibility to same-language primary care physicians for immigrant older adults living in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). Results from enhanced 2-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) analyses revealed areas with poor to very high spatial accessibility to same-language primary care physicians, as well as under-serviced neighbourhoods that have relatively high shares of immigrant older adults and low spatial access. Survey data provided additional insights into the patterns and factors of primary care utilization and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Chinese older immigrants’ healthcare use and health outcome. The study identified physician shortage areas and underserviced neighbourhoods with regard to accessing same-language primary care physicians for Chinese immigrant older adults. It provides implications for delivering care and service programs to improve the well-being and quality of life among immigrant older adults in Canada and internationally.
Location Name
Mackenzie (ME) 3356
Session Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract ID
265
Speaker Name
Lu Wang
Speaker Organization
Toronto Metropolitan University
Session Name
CS119-A Geographies of Health and Health Care