International migration and aging are two global trends that are rapidly transforming the demographic landscape of North American cities. As a global city and the largest immigrant gateway in Canada, Toronto is home to a highly mobile population with strong transnational connections and an aging immigrant population with over 70% of older adults (65+) are foreign-born. Wide variations in health outcomes exist across different neighbourhoods in Toronto, and among different ethno-cultural groups and socio-economic strata. Meeting the health care needs of migrants is a growing priority.
The research talk will discuss two case studies to highlight the role of neighbourhood contexts in immigrant health. The first case study will explore the varying geographic access to neighbourhood amenities and the health implications for Sri Lankan immigrants using a mixed-method approach combining spatial-quantitative and qualitative methods. Tamil-speaking primary care physicians, South Asian grocery stores, and green space are identified as key neighbourhood resources shaping the health outcome of the group that includes many older adults. The second case study, drawn from an on-going project, will explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of immigrant residents in different neighbourhoods in Toronto. Emphasis will be placed on COVID-19 related risk perception, prevention practice and spatial mobility. Based on the two case studies, the talk will provide a discussion on the core theoretical and methodological issues in research on migration, neighbourhood and health.
