Physical activity and healthy eating in older Chinese immigrants to Australia: a qualitative study of environmental barriers and facilitators

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Compared to their Western counterparts, Chinese older adults living in their country of origin are more active and follow a healthy diet. The health of Chinese who migrate to Western countries often deteriorates over time as they adopt Western dietary patterns and reduce their levels of physical activity. This is likely due to environmental factors. We need to identify potential environmental barriers and facilitators of healthy eating and engagement in physical activity among older Chinese immigrants to Western countries, such as Australia. METHODS: Chinese older adults born overseas (N=59, 66% female) and living in areas of Melbourne (Australia) stratified by walkability were recruited. Nominal group technique (NGT), a structured multistep brainstorming technique, was used to generate responses. Participants were asked to list things about places where Chinese elders live that would make it easy/difficult to engage in physical activity and healthy eating. Written prioritised responses were collected and classified into thematic categories by two independent researchers. RESULTS: Seven NGT groups (range 8-13 per group) generated 11-16 and 6-15 responses per group for barriers/facilitators of engagement in physical activity and healthy eating, respectively. Availability of affordable/reliable public transport; access to shops and facilities; availability of recreational centres and parks; cheap parking; social support from family and the community; electronic media at home; traffic safety; access to Chinese community centres; and presence of Chinese-speaking neighbours and staff were thought to impact the ability to engage in physical activity in Australia. Access to grocery stores and open markets; access to affordable public transport; Chinese press publishing articles on healthy eating; strict food regulations and policies; restaurants serving healthy options; affordable health foods; family members following a healthy diet; and community seminars on healthy diets were thought to impact healthy eating. CONCLUSIONS: Accessibility and affordability of relevant services and public transport, social support from family members and the community, and communicational barriers were identified as major factors affecting the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle by older Chinese immigrants living in Melbourne, Australia