Anti-Asian Racism and COVID-19 Impact on Older Adults: The Voices of Social Workers

Yeonjung Jane Lee; Sophia B Lau; Clifford S Bersamira; Jaron Yamauchi

doi:10.1080/01634372.2023.2202240

Anti-Asian Racism and COVID-19 Impact on Older Adults: The Voices of Social Workers

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2023 Nov-Dec;66(8):985-1004. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2023.2202240. Epub 2023 Apr 14.

Authors

Yeonjung Jane Lee¹, Sophia B Lau¹, Clifford S Bersamira¹, Jaron Yamauchi¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Social Work, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

PMID: 37057815
DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2023.2202240

Abstract

Heightened anti-Asian racism and hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted older adults and the social workers who supported them. Yet, the experiences of Asian and Asian American (AAA) social workers are unknown. This study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of social workers focusing on the aging population during the anti-Asian racism climate and the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by a qualitative approach, seventeen AAA social workers participated in semi-structured interviews. Based on thematic analysis, the following themes were identified: concerns about safety and discrimination, perceived service and support needs for older adults, and perceived generational gaps in advocacy. Social work practice, policy, and research implications are discussed.

Keywords: COVID-19; anti-Asian racism; older adults; qualitative methods; social workers.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Antiracism*
Asian*
COVID-19* / epidemiology
COVID-19* / ethnology
Humans
Pandemics
Racism* / prevention & control
Social Work
Social Workers*