COVID-Discrimination, Social Cohesion, Neighborhood Safety, and Mental Health Among AANHPI Older Adults

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2025 Sep 4:1-14. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2025.2554709. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) older adults experienced discrimination. There is evidence that neighborhood context may play a protective role in mental health outcomes.

Methods: Using the 2022 California AANHPI Community Needs Survey, multivariate regression models examined associations among discrimination, neighborhood characteristics, and mental health.

Results: COVID-related discrimination was associated with higher levels of serious psychological distress, while higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion and safety were associated with better mental health outcomes.

Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of neighborhood factors in promoting AANHPI older adults' mental health.

Keywords: AANHPI older adults; COVID-19 discrimination; Neighborhood context; Resilience.