Jian Zhao

With a growing elderly population and a critical shortage of caregivers, the Chinese community is moving away from traditional expectations of caregiving, especially as adult children live lives away from parents. Chinese seniors often struggle to find caregivers who can speak the language and attend to their needs. As a result, undocumented Chinese workers are increasingly entering the workforce to address the shortage of caregivers for older Chinese adults.

"Saving Face”, a traditional Confucian concept, delineates the purpose of social exchange to promote self-esteem and equilibrium within the community. Chinese older adults who have internalized this concept may be more reluctant to engage with their social network to share negative emotions and life difficulties, potentially creating a fertile ground for loneliness. John Feng, who is 91 years old experiences intense bouts of loneliness and isolation, despite living in a senior apartment building in L.A. Chinatown where nearly all the residents are Chinese.

Cathay Manor, a senior housing project with 270 housing units in LA's Chinatown, is home to low-income elderly residents. The two elevators in the building have never functioned smoothly, leaving residents trapped and isolated and, in some cases, causing injury and great harm.

A one-bed-one-bath "hotel" room in Monterey Park is home to 12 Chinese immigrants who live in overcrowded, unsanitary and potentially deadly conditions. There are dozens of such "hotels" or "boarding houses" that help newly arrived immigrants who don't have a work permit and savings. Without this room-sharing option, they would have to sleep on the streets.

Finding housing for loved ones who suffer from chronic mental illness is a big challenge. State and federal housing resources are typically geared towards t experiencing homelessness. It doesn't help that living in an unstable environment can greatly undermine maintaining stability or recovery.

When Chinese parents prioritize traditional values and academic success at the expense of emotional and psychological well-being, their children grapple with stress and heightened expectations.

Challenges like immigration status, social isolation and cultural taboos on seeking support can deter Chinese immigrants from seeking help during marital conflicts, leaving many to endure their mental health struggles in silence.