Major Paper

Lily Cheung

Recreation 4400
Section W01
Janet Ready and Joanne Edey-Nicoll
Langara College
28 March 2021

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 2
Background and Context .............................................................................................. 4
Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 7
Economic Security .................................................................................................................. 7
Home Support, Housing, and Food Security....................................................................... 8
Health Systems and Services ............................................................................................... 9
Leisure...................................................................................................................................... 9
Transportation ....................................................................................................................... 10
Social Capital ........................................................................................................................ 10
Legal Protection and Safety ................................................................................................ 11
Carnegie Community Centre ............................................................................................... 11
Research Gaps ..................................................................................................................... 12
Methodology ................................................................................................................ 13
Content Analysis ................................................................................................................... 13
Interviews ............................................................................................................................... 13
Special Status Observations ............................................................................................... 14
Further Research .................................................................................................................. 15
Research Challenges and Successes ............................................................................... 15
Research Findings ...................................................................................................... 16
Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 21
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 23
References (Works Cited) ........................................................................................... 24
Appendixes .............................................................................................................................. 29

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Executive Summary
Chinese seniors living in the Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside face many barriers
that affect their quality of life. They experience challenges that include economic
insecurity, lack of home support and housing, food insecurity, inadequate health
systems and services, limited leisure opportunities, inaccessible transportation, lack of
social and cultural diversity (social capital) within their community, unfair legal
protection, and fear of safety (City of Vancouver, 2010, p. 12; JTW Consulting et al.,
2015, p. 7). Secondary research was conducted in order to understand what additional
challenges Chinese seniors are facing. Language barrier is the biggest challenge that
Chinese seniors living in the Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside encounter. Without the
ability to understand and communicate in English, they are unable to ask for assistance,
and are unable to access programs, services, and resources in their neighbourhood.
Carnegie Community Centre (“the Carnegie”), operated by City of Vancouver, is
the main community centre located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood.
The Carnegie offers programs and services to promote health and wellness to
community members living in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately for many Chinese
seniors, they are either unaware of the programs and services offered at the Centre or
have challenges accessing them due to barriers. To determine what the Carnegie
Community Centre can do to better support the Chinese seniors, primary research was
conducted to better understand the needs of the Chinese seniors that they serve.
The results confirmed that there is room for improvement to make programs and
services more accessible to the Chinese seniors’ participants. All promotional materials
for programs and services could be translated into Chinese to allow Chinese seniors to
be aware of activities that are happening. In addition, hiring more staff who can speak
the Chinese language will increase Chinese seniors’ participation at Carnegie
Community Centre and increase the quality of programs and services delivered.
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to answer the research question “What are the
needs of Chinese seniors living in the Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood
and how can Carnegie Community Centre improve/adapt its programs and services to
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better meet their needs?” Research findings will explain the challenges and barriers that
Chinese seniors may currently face.
Chinese seniors are the largest ethnic group in Vancouver, with a large share of
the Chinese population being first generation immigrants (JTW Consulting et al., 2015,
p. 9). Many of the Chinese seniors are currently residing in the Downtown Eastside
neighbourhood located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Chinese seniors living in the
neighbourhood are "often isolated by language barriers and mobility issues…[and]
endure persistent racism due to difference in cultural practices and false stereotypes.
Gentrification has affected many...residing in the area and made access to resources
more difficult as the city changes rapidly around them" (Downtown Eastside Women's
Centre, 2021). According to the 2015 Census, Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside had the
highest percentage of low-income seniors in British Columbia (Statistics Canada, 2015).
They face ongoing critical issues that are currently affecting their quality of life. Chinese
seniors’ needs, defined as things people cannot live without (Harper, 2009, p. 66),
include having access to economic security, home support and housing, food security,
health systems and services, leisure, transportation, social and cultural diversity (social
capital), legal protection, and safety. (City of Vancouver, 2010, p. 12; JTW Consulting et
al., 2015, p. 7).
Carnegie Community Centre is situated in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and
is the largest public recreation facility that is used by many community members
residing in the neighbourhood. Carnegie Centre offers essential programs and services
which are designed to “provide an experience that results from freely chosen
participation in physical, social, intellectual, creative and spiritual pursuits that
enhance individual and community wellbeing." (CPRA, 2015). Chinese seniors need
to have access to these programs and services, and it is important that Carnegie
Community Centre is able to make improvements that will give them opportunities to
participate. As stated on the City of Vancouver’s website, they want to continue to
improve their recreation facilities by “designing and maintaining them to meet current
and future community needs” (City of Vancouver, 2021).

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This topic is important in order to gain awareness of historical events, research
evidence, and understand current and ongoing issues that Chinese seniors face.
Chinese seniors face unique vulnerabilities, including both racialization and
stigmatization. In addition, many of their families have lived experiences of historic
injustices such as the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act (Go, 1990, p. 20).
While many people have ideas of who faces marginalization in the Downtown Eastside,
the community in Chinatown, including the Chinese seniors, often get left out. Their
struggles have largely been diminished. This paper can raise awareness of the
challenges that Chinese seniors face, which is important for recreation practitioners and
those involved in the Downtown Eastside community. This information can help
recognize and address the needs of Chinese seniors and how recreation can affect their
quality of life. Carnegie Community Centre is one of the main programs and service
providers in the Downtown Eastside. With this information, they can improve and adapt
their programs to increase accessibility and promote inclusion in their facility.
Background and Context
Downtown Eastside is a neighbourhood located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
This community is stigmatized by drug use, homelessness, poverty, mental illness, sex
work, and crime that take part around the neighbourhood every day (Linden et al.,
2012). The Downtown Eastside is made up of 6 subregions including Victory Square,
Gastown, Chinatown, Thornton Park, Strathcona, Oppenheimer, and Industrial (Todd &
Yan, 2019, p. 3) (See Appendix A for a map of the Downtown Eastside). This
neighbourhood is home to mostly Indigenous peoples and immigrant communities of
Chinese and Japanese Canadians. Other cultural groups also include people of African,
Asian, European, British, Scandinavian, and South American heritage (Todd & Yan,
2019, p. 8). This paper will focus on Chinese Canadian seniors who currently reside in
the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. This section will also examine the research
question in more detail and elaborate on why this research topic is important to the
researcher, to Carnegie Community Centre, and to the field of community recreation.
Chinatown is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver. “In 1886, the same
year as the incorporation of the city of Vancouver, with about 90 Chinese residents,
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Chinatown emerged on Carrall Street and East Pender (at the time Dupont) Street”
(Benivolski, 2017). After the repealing of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 (also
known as the Chinese Exclusion Act) and the end of World War 2, the area flourished
with new Chinese immigrants, stores, and shops that now represent Chinese culture.
Many Chinese seniors continue to live in Chinatown while others are dispersed to other
neighbourhoods within the Downtown Eastside.
This paper focuses on the Chinese seniors who currently reside in the Downtown
Eastside. For many of these seniors, “their most troubling issues are poverty, racism
and age discrimination that sometimes find expression in verbal and physical abuse,
financial mistreatment, and conflicts and miscommunication arising from language
barriers” (Wong, 2013). Many of the Chinese seniors face a combination of barriers
including language, financial, physical, and mental challenges which prevents them
from having the ability to access resources and receive the support they need.
The organization that was chosen to provide more information about this
population is Carnegie Community Centre, located at 401 Main Street in Vancouver,
British Columbia. Carnegie Community Centre has been owned by the City of
Vancouver since 1980 and is funded through its Social Planning Department. Prior to
becoming a community centre, the building “was opened in 1903, with the City Museum
on the third floor, the public library on the first and second floors, and a book bindery in
the basement” (Hood, 2018). Eventually, the organizations moved to a bigger location
and the building was left vacant. In 1976, neighbourhood poverty activists from the
Downtown Eastside Residents’ Association convinced City Council to turn the space
into a community centre for local residents. Carnegie Community Centre is “often
referred to as the living room of the Downtown Eastside…[and] provides social,
educational, cultural, and recreational activities on-site, at nearby Oppenheimer Park,
and through an outreach team” (City of Vancouver-a, 2021).
The Agency Advisor is Ellen Kim, she is the Community Programmer for both
Carnegie Community Centre and Oppenheimer Park. Her role oversees the operations
of Carnegie Centre and Oppenheimer Park, spaces that facilitate recreation activities for
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community members. She is also currently supporting the Homelessness Services
Outreach Team, also known as the Carnegie Outreach, and works closely with
community partners to ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness
and other crises are connected to resources and support.
The researcher has shown interest in this research topic due to recent inspiration
after working with Chinese seniors living in the Downtown Eastside. Many of the
Chinese seniors are self-isolating due to the pandemic and are afraid to leave their
home for any purposes. They have not been participating in any recreation activities or
interacting with friends and family since March 2020, when the lockdown started. Prior
to the pandemic, many Chinese seniors continued to face barriers that inhibited the
opportunity to live a good quality of life. Therefore, this research was brought forward to
determine the needs of these Chinese seniors and how recreation practitioners, and
Carnegie Centre, can provide support to help the seniors live comfortably and securely
in their community.
The researcher found importance in this research topic because the challenges
and barriers the Chinese seniors face have been a longstanding issue. The
researcher’s mission as a recreation practitioner is to positively impact people
through relationship building, inclusion, and support. Their vision as a recreation
practitioner is to promote equity and inclusion and create opportunities that will
increase peoples' quality of life. There is a connection between the researcher’s
personal mission and vision statement to the research question because they want to
provide the Chinese seniors support and opportunities that will help promote the
quality of their everyday life. Language is one of the main barriers that the Chinese
seniors face. The researcher is a recreation practitioner who knows how to speak the
Chinese language and therefore wants to utilize that skill to gather accurate
information.
This issue is important to Carnegie Community Centre because they understand
how leisure and recreational activities can positively impact a person’s life. Carnegie
Centre’s mission is “To nurture mind, body and spirit in a safe and welcoming
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environment. Through the leadership and participation of our volunteers we provide
social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities for the benefit of the people of
the Downtown Eastside" (City of Vancouver-b, 2021). In recent years, Carnegie
Community Centre has encouraged inclusion by providing a program guide that is
translated into Chinese. However, the Seniors Programmer is still working on how to
invite more Chinese seniors to participate in their programs. She is aware that there are
still groups of Chinese seniors in the neighbourhood that she has not communicated
with.
This issue is important to the field of community recreation because it offers the
opportunity to learn more about a marginalized population and understand the social
challenges they face. The goal of community recreation is to be able to provide people
of all ages, interests, and abilities services that will enhance a person’s quality of life.
The information collected from this research can be used to determine what recreation
practitioners can do to better support Chinese seniors in communities or other seniors
with different cultural backgrounds facing similar barriers in other communities.
Literature Review
This section provides existing information in the field of research about the
research question. The main ideas include economic security, home support, housing,
food security, health systems and services, leisure, transportation, social capital, legal
protection and safety, and Carnegie Community Centre. These topics were analyzed to
show relationships between previous studies and theories and discover similarities and
differences. The solid evidence was used to Identify gaps in the literature, provide areas
of controversy, and how the topic and question are situated within community
recreation).
Economic Security
Government programs play an important role in subsidizing costs to help seniors
maintain independence and increase their quality of life (City of Vancouver, 2010, p.
14). Chinese seniors rely on affordable and accessible housing, programs, and services
to enhance their health and well-being (JTW Consulting et al., 2015, p. 7). Carnegie
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Community Centre is operated by the City of Vancouver and offers essential services
and programs free of charge with an annual membership of $1 to community members
living in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside (City of Vancouver-a, 2021). Carnegie
Community Centre’s goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment
while offering social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities (City of Vancouverb, 2021). Although the government offers beneficial programs and services to the
Chinese seniors, the Chinese seniors still face challenges accessing the services and
programs that are associated with language barrier, personal health, transportation, and
discrimination (Chapell & Lai, 1998, p. 21; He et al., 2020, p. 8).
Home Support, Housing, and Food Security
For seniors who are not currently in acute care, residential care, or community
care systems, they are living in supportive/assisted housing (City of Vancouver, 2010, p.
13). Many seniors choose a phenomenon called “aging in place” (Parks & Recreation,
2002, p. 79), where seniors choose to “remain living in the community, with some level
independence, rather than in residential care” (Wileset et al., 2012, p. 133).
Unfortunately, many seniors who choose to live in their own homes have a higher
chance of experiencing isolation, physical inactivity, being unable to care for
themselves, and experiencing cognitive decline (Parks & Recreation, 2002, p. 79).
Some seniors may enroll in food programs and services that deliver groceries and
meals to their homes. For seniors who have trouble with mobility, there is home support
available to assist with “activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and
may include meal preparation, vacuuming, and laundry” (City of Vancouver, 2010, p.
14). The majority of the Chinese seniors participate in free services and resources such
as free meals that are offered around the neighbourhood (Huang et al., 2014, p. 3).
During available food lineups within the community, many seniors tend to take more
than one meal because they can share it with their spouse, friends, or neighbour who is
unable to attend food lines (Huang et al., 2014, p. 23). They may also think ahead and
save the meal for later. It is common for Chinese seniors to support and care for each
other, especially those who live alone.

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Health Systems and Services
There is a current reduction in federal health care funding that is causing
Vancouver seniors to encounter problems in primary, acute, and residential care
systems (City of Vancouver, 2010, p. 13). Like any other seniors living in the Downtown
Eastside, Chinese seniors require health support and services in their community. The
health of Chinese seniors is often misunderstood as there are common misconceptions
that they are viewed as healthy citizens (Lai, 2002, p. 7). Chinese seniors have mental
health problems and concerns, just like any other general elderly population (Lai, 2002,
p. 7). Research has shown that Chinese seniors use less formal health care services
than other general populations (Chapell & Lai, 1998, p. 21) because of challenges they
encounter. Five reasons that Chinese seniors do not regularly participate in health care
services are culturally inappropriate services, Asian values, historical discrimination,
organizational barriers, and social alienation (Lee, 1986). Other challenges that inhibit
Chinese seniors in accessing these health services include cultural incongruence,
language and transportation barriers, and lack of service awareness (Chapell & Lai,
1998, p. 23).
Leisure
The Chinese seniors’ population is mixed with a diversity of interests, strengths,
and abilities (Singh & Kiran, 2014, p. 24). The physical ability of a senior is considered
one key element for determining health status. It is associated with health benefits such
as longer life span, confidence, less pain with movement, lower rates of functional
decline, lower risk of mortality, reduced risk of health illnesses and conditions, and
better quality of life (Singh & Kiran, 2014, p. 24). Recreation is important for the wellbeing of Chinese seniors and enhancing their quality of life (Singh & Kiran, 2014, p. 24).
Seniors utilize recreation activities available in their local community and recreation
centres that are appropriate to their physical abilities and interests. Accessible leisure
activities help with social isolation and prevent mental and physical health issues in
Chinese seniors (JTW Consulting et al., 2015, p. 21, Huang & Li, 2019, p. 23; Singh &
Kiran, 2014, p. 24). Leisure activities encourage Chinese seniors to socialize, exercise,
and be intellectually stimulated which can promote positive health and well-being
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(Spinney et al., 2009, p. 1; Parks & Recreation, 2002, p. 79). Developing a variety of
leisure options to fit each seniors’ needs, abilities, and interests gives seniors choice,
control, and empowerment (He et al., 2020, p. 86; Parks & Recreation, 2002, p. 79) and
can lead to a happier life. However, there are Chinese seniors who may not be
participating in public recreation activities and are unaware of the positive values of
recreation (Singh & Kiran, 2014, p. 24).
Transportation
Seniors’ satisfaction with their neighbourhood and feeling a sense of community
is associated with their satisfaction with the transport system (He et al., 2020, p. 89). As
the age of an older adult increases, their physical abilities and health decline (Spinney
et al., 2009, p. 4). Mobility is closely linked to a person's independence, well-being, and
quality of life because it enables them to achieve access to people and places
necessary for life maintenance, life satisfaction, and emotional well-being (He et al.,
2020, p. 87; Musich et al., 2018, p. 162; Spinney et al., 2009, p. 4). Low-income
Chinese seniors living in Downtown Eastside face many health challenges and thus
require an affordable and reliable transportation system without compromising safety
(Spinney et al., 2009, p. 1). Providing effective transportation strategies for seniors can
enable them to participate in social and leisure activities and attend their medical
appointments, which will decrease health complications and conditions such as mobility
issues, isolation, and depression (Spinney et al., 2009, p. 1).
Social Capital
Community and social capital have significant positive effects on leisure
satisfaction of Chinese seniors (Huang & Li, 2019, p. 2; Spinney et al., 2009, p. 3).
Connection and social exchanges can allow seniors to build healthy relationships and
feel the assurance of being accepted, trusted, and having support in their community. It
is recommended that neighbourhoods should invest in improving social capital that will
provide more opportunities to seniors that will “help them to help themselves” (Huang &
Li, 2019, p. 13). Providing community outreach can support seniors who are from low
socioeconomic statuses and have low health literacy, to effectively manage functional
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limitations that are associated with chronic illness” (Huang & Li, 2019, p. 13). Chinese
seniors can overcome physical constraints that are preventing them from participating in
beneficial leisure activities through utilizing technology. Providing access to digital
devices and the internet can complement and enhance a senior’s leisure life (Huang &
Li, 2019, p. 13). Digital literacy can allow the Chinese seniors to stay connected with
family, friends, and the next generation (Huang & Li, 2019, p. 13). The digital world
encourages seniors build social connections, which leads to higher leisure satisfaction
(Huang & Li, 2019, p. 13).
Legal Protection and Safety
Since 1981, the population of seniors who are unable to speak Canada’s official
language has been rising (Statistics Canada, 2006). A Chinese senior’s safety is put at
risk when they are unable to properly communicate with others. In the Downtown
Eastside, there is a language barrier between Chinese speaking seniors and other
community members, staff, and volunteers in organizations (Huang et al., 2014, p. 17;
Lee, 1986). The language barrier between staff and volunteers with the Chinese seniors
make it difficult to understand each other and their needs. Some Chinese seniors may
have health and mobility conditions that may not be easily visible and they may be
unable to communicate to staff, volunteers, and other community members about their
condition (Huang et al., 2014, p. 20). Uncommunicated information causes
discrimination and tension between Chinese seniors and other members. Chinese
seniors may also use their old age as a reason to receive priority access (Huang et al.,
2014, p. 21) and staff are unable to inform them that it is not allowed. Language barriers
can cause social isolation because Chinese seniors are unable to attend social activities
(Huang et al., 2014, p. 16) where knowledge of the English language is a prerequisite to
participate.
Carnegie Community Centre
Previous Carnegie Community Centre’s seniors’ programs that attracted Chinese
seniors to participate were the Arts & Health Project: Healthy Aging Through the Arts
and Chinese Seniors Garden Project. The goal of the Arts & Health Project is to support
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vulnerable seniors to participate in “community-engaged” arts programming at
community centres in the Vancouver area (Arts & Health, 2017). Carnegie Community
Centre joined the project in 2013 and it continues to be a popular program and is
beneficial to the group. An evaluation of the project was conducted by researchers from
University of British Columbia and the results were positive (Arts & Health, 2017).
Participation in this project gave the seniors “opportunities for social connection, a
sense of dedication and hard work, increased self-esteem and confidence, and a feeling
of accomplishment” (Arts & Health, 2017). The Chinese Seniors Garden Project took
place in the Downtown Eastside community garden where Chinese seniors gathered to
share skills, stories, and stay healthy (Griffin, 2020; Isomura, 2020). Working together in
the community garden allowed the seniors to make new friends, gave them a sense of
community, and solved issues such as food security (Griffin, 2020; Isomura, 2020).
Research Gaps
It has not been identified whether all Chinese seniors living in Vancouver
Downtown Eastside are eligible to receive government support such as supportive
housing, support programs and services, or financial funding. Therefore, further
research will be required to determine how living conditions and funding affects Chinese
seniors and their needs. While Chinese seniors do experience discrimination and
racism in the Downtown Eastside, there are no research that describes how Chinese
seniors treats other community members. Most disagreements and arguments between
people from different culture or ethnic background suggests that it is associated with
discrimination and racism. However, with language barrier in place, it difficult to assume
the context of an argument.
This topic and question are situated within community recreation because
Chinese seniors are one of the main populations in Chinatown and they need access to
recreation and leisure in their community just like any other community members.
Immigrants in other cultures and ethnicities who experience discrimination and racism
may share similar needs and experience similar barriers in their community as well. The
information in this paper can assist future community recreation to develop programs

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and services that appreciates and acknowledges diversity, promote inclusion, and
increase accessibility.
Methodology
This section outlines the methodologies used in gathering and analyzing data to
answer the research question. My research question is: What are the needs of Chinese
seniors living in the Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood and how can
Carnegie Community Centre improve/adapt its programs and services to better meet
their needs? The three different primary research methods used were content analysis,
interviews, and special status observations. The use of each method will be described
in terms of research actions and reasons for selection.
Content Analysis
The data that was reviewed for content analyses were promotional materials,
important update memos, program guides, pamphlets, brochures, job postings,
newspaper articles, web content, and social media posts that were related to, or created
by, Carnegie Community Centre. This method was used to understand what programs
and services are available to Chinese seniors and understand how the information
affects the Chinese senior population.
This method was chosen to collect important materials and documents that could
be used to identify patterns, themes, and effects of communication contents. Most of the
materials gathered are documents that may not be available to the public, which allows
this research to include information on the topic that may have been missed through
online research.
Interviews
Interviews with five staff and two volunteers were conducted at Carnegie
Community Centre. Seven interview questions were created for staff, and five interview
questions for volunteers regarding their knowledge and experience working with
Chinese seniors (see Appendix B for sample interview questions).
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This method was chosen in order to collect primary data directly from staff and
volunteers. The interviewees chosen had different cultural backgrounds with a mixture
of staff and volunteers who can and cannot speak a Chinese language. Doris Chow and
Huyanne Le are both senior staff at Carnegie Community Centre who have experience
working with Chinese seniors using their Chinese language abilities. Lucy Alderson is
an instructor and program coordinator for the Learning Centre that teaches community
members new learning skills. Ming Chou and Susan Chou are both volunteers for
Carnegie Community Centre and have actively participated in Carnegie’s programs and
events. They are also considered Chinese seniors themselves. Appendix C details the
interviewees, their roles at Carnegie Community Centre, and interview dates and times.
Special Status Observations
Special status observations were made on program and outreach services that
were delivered by staff from Carnegie Community Centre. “Crafternoons”, a drop-in
program for all ages for learning easy, take-home arts and crafts activities, was the first
program observed for this research, particularly how the delivery of this program
affected Chinese senior participants (see Appendix D for program observation
information).
Outreach services through a partnership between Wholeway House and
Carnegie Community Centre were also observed (see Appendix E for outreach service
observation information). They delivered weekly meals to residents who are selfisolating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff from Carnegie Community Centre have
been involved in this service for their Chinese speaking ability and their ability to
connect with the Chinese seniors who lived in the building. For this research, the
interaction between Chinese seniors and the staff from Carnegie Community Centre
and Wholeway House was observed.
This methodology was chosen because examining people in a social setting
could provide a general sense of the situation, issues, and challenges. The ability to
observe engagement, interaction, and communication between staff, Chinese seniors,
and other community members and how they handled each situation differently could
provide a clear idea of the relationships between the people. During observations, the
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frequency of reoccurring questions, concerns, comments, problems, and situations
helped determine what the needs of the Chinese seniors were.
Further Research
Based on current field research and findings, it would be beneficial to conduct
further interviews with Carnegie Community Centre volunteers and staff, as well as
volunteers and staff from other organizations around the Downtown Eastside, to hear
more perspectives on the needs of Chinese seniors. Further research could examine
challenges or patterns related to other intersecting parts of the Chinese identity
including gender, ability or disability, and language dialect.
In addition, analysis of different materials from cities across Metro Vancouver
could be used to compare what was done similarly or differently in the facilities.
Collecting data, documents, and promotional materials from organizations serving
similar populations as the Downtown Eastside could be helpful to determine even more
specific needs of Chinese seniors in their programs and services. It could show the
pattern and trends, and what changes were made over the years.
Research Challenges and Successes
Due to many factors, there were restrictions in interviewing Chinese seniors in
the community and participants from programs and services at Carnegie Community
Centre. It limited the opportunity to hear directly from the target population what their
needs are and what support can be provided to better meet their needs. This could
have provided valuable information that would be beneficial for this research. However,
the volunteers that were interviewed were Chinese seniors who have participated in the
Carnegie Community Centre programs and services in the past. They have strong
relationships with other Chinese seniors who participate at Carnegie Community Centre
and have discussed together issues they have experienced. Due to the current COVID19 pandemic, not many Chinese seniors have been participating in leisure programs in
public facilities. The Crafternoon program was not a popular program during this time
and had very few participants. Having more participants with a mixture of Chinese
seniors and other ethnic participants would have provided a better understanding of the
15

social situation of Chinese seniors, Carnegie Community Centre program facilitation,
and interactions between the participants.
Research Findings
The research question is “What are the needs of Chinese seniors living in the
Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood and how can Carnegie Community
Centre improve/adapt its programs and services to better meet their needs?” Research
has found that Chinese seniors living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside face multiple
barriers that inhibits them from participating in programs and services and accessing
resources. These barriers make programs and services in the community inaccessible.
Most Chinese seniors living in the Downtown Eastside are low-income, meaning they
have troubles with financial related situations. Many seniors are also not eligible for
supportive housing, where partial rent payments are funded by the government. Many
Chinese seniors are ineligible for income assistance or any type of government
assistance. This results in most of their income going towards their rent, which takes
away money that needs to be used on food and other necessities. The Chinese seniors
“rely on food programs and food line-ups to ensure that their money can be used for
rent payment” (Le, 2021). Activity Leader, Lora Genaille, mentioned that she often
witness seniors being discriminated “when they utilize food programs and line-ups in the
neighbourhood by staff, volunteers, and other community members” (Genaille, 2021).
In terms of participation in programs, Doris Chow and Lucy Alderson has no
trouble finding Chinese senior participants. In Chow’s programs, the Chinese seniors
feel comfortable with a program facilitator who can speak Chinese, making
communication and following instructions easier. Alderson offers English classes at the
Learning Centre and many Chinese seniors enjoy learning the skill to be able to
communicate with others. Genaille and Le are having more difficulties finding
participants for their programs because the Chinese seniors are working with staff who
can not speak Chinese language. Huyanne Le, the Volunteer Programmer, is slowly
experiencing an increase in Chinese seniors who are interested in volunteering, Chow
has been working together with Le, to encourage more Chinese seniors in Chow’s
16

program to become volunteers. Unfortunately, the Chinese seniors who do become
volunteers would “still require language assistance because they get assigned to into
roles with supervisors in different departments who don’t speak Chinese” (Le, 2021).
All staff agreed that the time of programs affects Chinese senior participation
levels. The reason is many Chinese seniors “feel unsafe being outside in the Downtown
Eastside neighbourhood when it is dark outside” (Alderson, 2021; Chow, 2021;
Genaille, 2021, Le, 2021). However, Carnegie volunteers Ming and Susan Chou, who
are a married couple, said they tend to leave Carnegie Community Centre before the
sky gets dark because “it’s an indication that it’s time to go home, cook dinner, take a
shower, relax, and get ready for bed” (M. Chou, 2021, S. Chou, 2021). They also
mentioned that they have not personally experienced discrimination or have felt fear of
safety in the neighbourhood, but they have seen and heard of their friends, who are
Chinese seniors, experience it. Chow and Chou. agreed that the later the day gets, the
buses come less frequently, which becomes more inconvenient (M. Chou, 2021; Chow,
2021).
Chinese seniors rely heavily on transportation to access people and places that
are necessary for life maintenance, life satisfaction, and emotional well-being (He et al.,
2020, p. 87; Musich et al., 2018, p. 162; Spinney et al., 2009, p. 4). Chinese seniors
have a preference in participating in leisure activities that are near their residence, due
to financial, mobility, and transportation issues. Just like other community members,
Chinese seniors need a sense of belonging. Belonging is associated with building social
and cultural diversity (social capital), legal protection, and ensures safety in the
neighbourhood they live in. Primary research has confirmed that the Chinese seniors
who participate in programs and services at Carnegie Community Centre experience
similar needs. The main barrier that Chinese seniors face is language, and it is
challenging for them to navigate a neighbourhood where information is only available in
English. Carnegie Community Centre offers programs and services to the community
members living in the Downtown Eastside, but not all of them are accessible to Chinese
seniors. There are limited staff that can speak Chinese language to assist the seniors
when they are inside the facility. Not all promotional materials for programs and services
17

at Carnegie Community Centre are translated in Chinese, which results in Chinese
seniors not being aware of the events happening in the facility.
While programs and services targeting Chinese seniors were translated in
Chinese (see Appendix F for Seniors’ Program Guide), programs and services targeting
the general public were not translated in Chinese (see Appendix G for general public
and Learning Centre Program Guide). Out of 30 promotional materials that were
reviewed, only 50% of the materials were translated into Chinese, meaning only 50% of
Carnegie Community Centre’s programming is accessible to Chinese seniors because
they are unable to read promotional materials offered in English. However, when
examining historical trends, the accessibility of Carnegie Community Centre programs
for Chinese seniors has improved. Within the last 10 years, the percentage of translated
material was lower, at 20% (see Appendix H for Calendar of Events). This 150%
increase can be attributed to Carnegie Community Centre hiring more staff with
language capabilities, including the ability to translate promotional materials in Chinese
(Chow, 2021).
Chinese seniors that participated in the Crafternoon programs faced significant
barriers. The Crafternoon program poster and promotional material was not translated
in Chinese, therefore Chinese seniors who were not able to read English did not know
the program was happening. The programs were also led by staff from Carnegie
Community Centre who did not speak a Chinese language. For the Chinese seniors,
many had trouble understanding the craft instructions, but they were able to continue
with the program from learning visually. Chinese seniors were more reluctant to
participate in programs that were not led by a Chinese speaking staff or ethnically
relevant programming. Their friends were also not interested in participating.
Chinese seniors who participated in the outreach services delivered by
Wholeway House and Carnegie Community Centre has shown immense appreciation
for the support from Chinese speaking staff. With language and mobility issues,
Chinese seniors are unable to go out to seek support from local resources. As seen in

18

Appendix E, the comments and questions that were asked were all very similar. They
were all along the lines of,
“Thank you for coming, it must be hard work.”
“We haven’t left our place in over a year. It’s too dangerous with COVID.”
“You speak Chinese? That is very convenient for me. The other staff who
delivers sometimes do not speak Chinese.”
“Some of the meals are difficult to eat.”
“Who can I asked to help with tax returns?”
“I received this mail, what does it say?”
“I can’t read/see this. Can you read and translate it for me?”
“When do you usually come by?”
All staff and volunteers consider language accessibility as the greatest need and
barrier in the Downtown Eastside. The inability to communicate with others has become
a struggle for Chinese seniors to gain awareness, build self-confidence, feel a sense of
belonging, participate in all types of programs, have access to resources, and build
relationships with community members of other ethnicities or cultures. Health clinics and
supports are inaccessible for Chinese seniors because they are unable to get to the
clinics or understand what the medical practitioners are saying. They require translation
assistance in clinics that do not have staff or volunteers who can speak
Chinese.Carnegie Community Centre only has a limited number of staff members who
can speak the Chinese language, and they are heavily relied upon to translate
materials, communicate with Chinese seniors, and reach out to Chinese seniors. Doris
Chow, the Seniors Programmer at Carnegie Community Centre, cited that the limited
number of Chinese speaking staff in the organization has reduced the number of
Chinese seniors who are willing to participate in their programs and services (see
Appendix I for the interview transcript with Doris Chow).
One of the interview questions was “In your opinion, what are the needs of
Chinese seniors and do you think the programs and services offered meet their needs?

19

If yes, how so? If no, what needs are not being met and what can Carnegie Centre do to
meet their needs? Doris Chow, the Seniors Programmer stated,
“Language is the most significant need for Chinese seniors. Many of their
problems would be solved if there were more staff who can speak the
language. We can do a lot better in terms of providing programs and
services to this population. Things like hiring staff more staff who can run
program in Cantonese and Mandarin and pay them for their skill.
Translating important material to Chinese language would be extremely
helpful. Other beneficial options would be collaborating with other
Community Centres and organizations to do more intergenerational
programming. For example, developing program that allows seniors and
children or youth to work together.
Chinese seniors want more recreation programs, exercises, outdoor
activities, seniors dancing. I don’t think we meet their needs because we
lack advertisement, space, equipment, and facility maintenance.
It is our job as community service to serve the most vulnerable population.
We are located in Chinatown where there is a high percentage of Chinese
senior residents. Research has shown that building and maintain a healthy
community will reduce crimes, property maintenance, enforcement, police,
and ambulance services.
Loneliness is the biggest predictor of death amongst seniors. In our
society, aging is already a pretty isolating experience; now add on top of
that, linguistic isolation and barriers to the already scarce programs and
services we have for seniors as a whole. That gives you a glimpse into
how vulnerable and marginalized Chinese and all other non-English
speaking seniors are” (Chow, 2021).

20

Recommendations
To better support Chinese seniors living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside,
Carnegie Community Centre could make improvements in their staffing abilities and
programs and services opportunities. Firstly, this includes hiring more staff at Carnegie
Community Centre who can speak the Chinese language to facilitate programs and
services and compensating them equitably for their language skills. Hiring more staff
who can speak the Chinese language will be helpful in developing and facilitating
culturally specific programs and services at Carnegie Community Centre. Chinese
speaking staff have the skills and experience to obtain the Chinese senior’s best
interest and apply that knowledge in developing and facilitating programs and services
that will best suit their needs. During one of the interviews with a staff from Carnegie
Community Centre, they mentioned that the City of Vancouver offers Premium Pay,
which is an additional pay grade on top of a staff’s current wage, to compensate for the
ability to speak a second language that is useful in the workplace. This is an
underutilized incentive to encourage more Chinese speaking candidates to apply for a
position. Compensating staff equitably for added skills will allow them to feel
appreciated for the work that they do and be able to provide higher quality programming
to the community.
In addition, it is recommended that Carnegie Community Centre ensure that all
promotional materials for Carnegie Community Centre are translated into Chinese.
Although promotional materials for programs that are specifically catered for Chinese
seniors are translated, other more generic programs and services that Chinese seniors
are eligible to participate in should also be translated. This will allow Chinese seniors to
try new things, meet new people, and build social capital within their community. The
City of Vancouver has a communications department with staff who are responsible for
translating all important City of Vancouver documents into different languages.
Promotional materials could be sent to that department to be translated by one of the
staff. In this case, timelines would need to be adjusted in order to ensure adequate time
for interdepartmental coordination. Another option is to task staff with Language
Premium Pay with translating the promotional materials.
21

Creating partnership opportunities with other community centres and
organizations is also recommended. This would provide more recreation programs and
services options to Chinese seniors and could increase participation levels. Other
community centres could include Strathcona Community Centre, Mount Pleasant
Community Centre, Evelyn Saller Centre, and Creekside Community Centre. Other
organizations can include the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, Saint James Music
Academy, Watari, and Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall
Discussing program successes and challenges with other community centres and
organizations could provide both parties with a better understanding of the interests and
abilities of Chinese seniors. It could allow the seniors to feel a sense of belonging, battle
isolation, build trust, create strong relationships, and gain new knowledge, skills, and
experiences. Programs that would be impactful are intergenerational programs where
Chinese seniors, youths and children can do a collaborative activity together. In
addition, having more community centres and organizations that offer programs to
Chinese seniors help with eliminating transportation barriers. It increases the options for
seniors to participate in a program closer to their home or at a more convenient location.
A final recommendation is to develop more active recreation programs to
promote healthy lifestyles for Chinese seniors at Carnegie Community Centre, as there
are currently limited physical activities. Mobility is an important factor that determines
the health and well-being of Chinese seniors and the development of more programs
that encourage Chinese seniors to be more active will be beneficial to their health.
There are many Chinese seniors who use outdoor spaces to do their own exercises.
Carnegie Community Centre could build a relationship with those Chinese seniors to
offer them available gym space to do their exercises in Carnegie Community Centre’s
gymnasium during colder seasons to continue their self-organized programs. The
seniors are likely to be more comfortable in the space, build trust with staff and
potentially participate in other activities available at Carnegie Community Centre.

22

Conclusion
The goal of this paper is to bring awareness to recreation practitioners, and staff,
volunteers, and community members who are highly involved in the Downtown Eastside
to understand the experiences that the Chinese seniors go through. This paper
identified the needs of the Chinese seniors living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
and how it can affect their standard of living. Chinese seniors need equal opportunities
to access programs, services, and resources in their neighbourhood to increase their
quality of life.
Supported research evidence has shown that Chinese seniors continue to face
ongoing challenges that causes their basic human needs to not be met. Their most
troubling issues include poverty, racism, discrimination, inaccessibility that arise from
language barrier. Access to recreation opportunities is important to improve overall
health and mobility, build social capital through connections and relationships,
experience enjoyment through leisure activities, and prevent isolation. Primary research
methods demonstrated a consistency of results in the barriers that Chinese seniors
face. The main challenge is the language barrier, which inhibits the participation level in
programs and services offered at Carnegie Community Centre. The lack of Chinese
translation in promotional materials, presence of a Chinese staff facilitating a program,
program activity, and time of the program offered affects whether there will be Chinese
senior participants.
Carnegie Community Centre can make a number of specific improvements and
adaptations in their programs and services to better support this population. To better
serve this population, recommendations include hiring more staff who can speak
Chinese language, translating all promotional materials to Chinese language, offering
more recreation programs to promote an active healthy lifestyle, and partnering with
community centres and organizations to provide more programs and services for this
population. These additional supports and increase in recreation opportunities can
eliminate barrier to help Chinese seniors feel a sense of belonging and have a positive
impact on their health and well-being.
23

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28

Appendix A
Map of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Subregions (Wong & Yan, 2019)

29

Appendix B
Sample Interview Questions for staff and volunteers at Carnegie Community Centre
Staff Interview Questions
1. What types of programs do Chinese seniors participate in? Why?
2. What is the current participation level of Chinese seniors in your
department/programs? Does the time of day affect the participation level? Are there
other factors that affect participation levels?
3. Knowing the presence of Chinese senior population living in the Downtown Eastside,
how does it affect the development of activities at Carnegie Community Centre?
4. How is the interaction between Chinese seniors and other ethnic community
members?
5. What are common questions and concerns from Chinese seniors?
6. What are some barriers that Chinese seniors are currently facing? What are some
resources and programs available to prevent that?
7. In your opinion, what are the needs of Chinese seniors and do you think the
programs and services offered meet their needs? If yes, how so? If no, what needs are
not being met and what can Carnegie Community Centre do to meet their needs?
Volunteer Interview Questions
1. What programs do you currently participate in? Why do you participate in that
program?
2. What programs do you not enjoy at Carnegie Community Centre? What are the
reasons for not participating in them?
4. What programs or services are helpful to Chinese seniors living in the Vancouver
Downtown Eastside?
5. What would you rate the accessibility at Carnegie Community Centre? (5 being
extremely accessible and 1 being not accessible)

30

Appendix C
List of staff and volunteers with their roles and their interview date and time
Staff
Doris Chow – Seniors Programmer at Carnegie Community Centre
Interview date and time: March 10, 2021 at 4-5:30pm
Huyanne Le – Volunteer Programmer at Carnegie Community Centre
Interview date and time: March 4, 2021 at 1-2:30pm
Lora Genaille – Activity Leader at Oppenheimer Park/Carnegie Community Centre and
Outreach Worker at Carnegie Outreach
Interview date and time: March 5, 2021 at 4-5:30pm
Lucy Alderson – Instructor and Program Coordinator for Learning Centre at Carnegie
Community Centre
Interview date and time: March 11, 2021 at 3-4:30pm
Volunteer
Ming Chou – Kitchen/Special Event Volunteer
Interview date and time: March 5, 2021 at 10:30-11am
Susan Chou – Special Event Volunteer
Interview date and time: March 5, 2021 at 10-10:30am

31

Appendix D
Crafternoon observation dates, times, and field notes
Crafternoon
•

Observation date and time: March 4, 2021 from 1:30-3:30pm

•

Location: Theatre at Carnegie Community Centre

•

There is one staff facilitating the program and one staff as the greeter/support

•

Their activity today is making paper flowers

•

First participant (Indigenous) arrived at 1:30pm

•

Second participant (Indigenous) arrived at 2:06pm

•

At least 8 people popped their heads in, but did not participate in the activity, two
of them were Chinese seniors

•

The staff facilitating the program is very patient with the participants

•

The support staff has also joined in the program and engaged with the
participants

•

Third participant (Chinese senior) arrived at 2:20pm

•

The Chinese seniors doesn’t speak English, but seem to understand what the
staff is doing

•

Staff is showing the Chinese senior how to do the paper flower and is
demonstrating it to her

•

Chinese senior sits quietly and continues her creation while the two Indigenous
participants chats

•

All participants succeeded in completing their paper flower

•

Chinese senior leaves right after she’s done

•

Overall a slow program day, but participants who came enjoyed it

•

Chinese senior was unable to communicate with the staff and other participants,
therefore she remained quiet the whole program

•

She smiled lots and looked very happy with her paper flower

32

Appendix E
Outreach services observation dates, times, and field notes
Outreach service – Wholeway House and Carnegie Community Centre
•

First housing: Pendera on 133 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC

•

Observation date and time: March 4, 2021 from 9:30am-am

•

Second housing: Shiloh Place on 245 Powell Street, Vancouver,BC

•

Observation time and date: March 4, 2021 from 11am-12pm

•

There were 3 Wholeway House staff and 2 Carnegie Community Centre staff
(both staff speaks Chinese)

•

Staff from Wholeway House keeps track which residents speaks Chinese

•

Carnegie staff are assigned to deliver meal to residents who speaks Chinese

•

Carnegie staff greets and engages in a conversation with the residents

•

Carnegie staff ask if the resident needs support

•

Many Chinese seniors have questions or concerns

•

Many Chinese seniors show appreciation for the Chinese speaking staff offering
support

•

The Chinese seniors in the buildings face many challenges such as language,
financial, and food security

•

Things I heard from Chinese senior residents say to staff in Cantonese or
Mandarin:
-

“Thank you for coming, it must be hard work.”

-

“We haven’t left our place in over a year. It’s too dangerous with COVID.”

-

“You speak Chinese? That is very convenient for me. The other staff who
delivers sometimes do not speak Chinese.

-

“Some of the meals are difficult to eat.”

-

“Who can I asked to help with tax returns?”

-

“I received this mail, what does it say?”

-

“I can’t read/see this. Can you read and translate it for me?”

-

“When do you usually come by?”

33

Appendix F
Carnegie Community Centre Seniors’ Program Guide for March 2020 in English (City of
Vancouver-a, 2020)

34

Carnegie Community Centre Seniors' Program Guide for March 2020 in Chinese (City
of Vancouver-b, 2020)

35

Appendix G
Carnegie Community Centre General Public Program Guide for March 2020 in English
(1/4) (City of Vancouver-c, 2020)

36

Carnegie Community Centre General Public Program Guide for March 2020 in English
(2/4)

37

Carnegie Community Centre General Public Program Guide for March 2020 in English
(3/4)

38

Carnegie Community Centre General Public Program Guide for March 2020 in English
(4/4)

39

Carnegie Community Centre Learning Centre Program Guide for November 2017 in
English (City of Vancouver, 2017)

40

Appendix H
Carnegie Community Centre’s Calendar of Events from January 2010 (Carnegie
Newsletter, 2014)

41

Appendix I
Interview transcript with Doris Chow (Chow, 2021) on March 10, 2021 at 4-5:30pm
1. What types of programs do Chinese seniors participate in? Why?
“They enjoy participating in our out trips because Chinese seniors are afraid to take the
bus by themselves. They are always eager to explore new places, see new things, and
that’s why I think this program is most popular amongst them. Chinese seniors meeting
is also a popular event that Chinese seniors like to attend, although it is not so much of
a program. The meetings are meant for me to read over the seniors’ program guide and
answer any questions they have. Initially, I thought it was popular because one of the
criteria to be eligible to go on the out trips is attending at least three seniors’ meetings
before they can sign up. Then I realized that was not the case. Chinese seniors seem to
go there to gather, socialize, and see their friends. There is also the possibility that
attending the meetings allow the seniors to feel important, and a sense of belonging.”
2. What is the current participation level of Chinese seniors in your
department/programs? Does the time of day affect the participation level? Are
there other factors that affect participation levels?
“My program has a pretty high level of Chinese senior participants. They are more likely
to participate when they see that there is a Chinese speaking staff running the program.
Usually when the program and event is culturally relevant, there will be a higher number
of Chinese senior participants. For example, our Lunar New Year special event is
popular amongst the seniors. Although I find that they are comfortable participating in
culturally relevant programs, the Chinese seniors are also eager to try new things. They
just need extra support such as language and friends to feel comfortable in a new
program.
Yes, no seniors participate in program after dark. It is too dangerous for them to be
walking around the neighbourhood at night. Buses also take longer to come when it
42

gets later. Many Chinese seniors also have bad vision, so they can’t see clearly at night.
It is also their winddown time. Many like to settle down at home, have dinner, relax, and
get ready for bed.”
3. Knowing the presence of Chinese senior population living in the Downtown
Eastside, how does it affect the development of activities at Carnegie Community
Centre?
“We try to make programs more accessible for Chinese seniors. We know that language
is the biggest barrier they face so we want to make sure we are able to provide
information that they can understand. In order to do that, we would have to translate the
materials to Chinese or advertise through word of mouth with the seniors in Chinese.
They usually attend program that have Chinese participants because they want to be
with someone they can culturally relate to and feel safe.
Some programs that we offer help Chinese seniors build confidence. Once the Chinese
senior builds this confidence, they are more likely to join other programs in the Centre
and be more independent. It’s also important for them to feel a sense of belonging.
Unfortunately, we don’t do seasonal planning or have seasonal program guides. All
programs are done on a monthly basis. It makes it more difficult because it can
potentially cause bad quality programming.”
4. How is the interaction between Chinese seniors and other ethnic community
members?
“Not many Chinese seniors and other ethnic community members interact with each
other. There are some tensions between different groups at times. There is a lot of
racism between two different cultures. There are many stereotypes of Chinese seniors
where people think they are pushy, greedy, and uneducated. There is also a common
assumption that Chinese seniors are 'better off' - that they are not poor, that they have
43

housing and families and therefore don't need the same services, but in fact they face
many unique and similar issues of poverty. It is just 'invisible’. Usually, the Chinese
seniors stay together because they are able to communicate and receive support from
their friends.
Sometimes when my program is filled with all Chinese seniors and a person from a
different cultural background joins the program, the person is just fine joining the
program. There is some great relationship and community building, but it requires a lot
of patience. However, when a program is filled with non-Chinese seniors, a Chinese
senior faces more barriers to participate because they don’t know anyone and lack the
confidence to join by themselves, and this is again, attributed to language.
I would say Learning Centre has a good mixture of Chinese seniors and other ethnic
community members in their programs. Lucy (instructor for Learning Centre) is really
good at exposing the participants to different cultures. She is able to help the
participants understand and accept each other that they’re all here to learn.”
5. What are common questions and concerns from Chinese seniors?
“Will there be food?
Is there anyone who can speak Chinese?
What programs are happening soon?
What does this poster say?
How long will it be?”
6. What are some barriers that Chinese seniors are currently facing? What are
some resources and programs available to prevent that?
“Ability to access programs and services in their language, people who actually care
about this population, and financial barriers. Not all Chinese seniors are eligible to
receive government benefits and supported housing. It would be helpful if they have
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access to all the resources and programs in the neighbourhood. Chinese seniors make
up a significant proportion of this neighbourhoods population and we see them
everywhere, yet they are so invisible at the same time. We need more programs and
service that are tailored for this population, the same way we have services and
programs tailored to people facing mental health challenges, people facing
homelessness, Urban Indigenous Peoples etc.”

7. In your opinion, what are the needs of Chinese seniors and do you think the
programs and services offered meet their needs? If yes, how so? If no, what
needs are not being met and what can Carnegie Centre do to meet their needs?
“Language is the most significant need for Chinese seniors. Many of their problems
would be solved if there were more staff who can speak the language. We can do a lot
better in terms of providing programs and services to this population. Things like hiring
staff more staff who can run program in Cantonese and Mandarin and pay them for their
skill. Translating important material to Chinese language would be extremely helpful.
Other beneficial options would be collaborating with other Community Centres and
organizations to do more integral programming. For example, developing program that
allows seniors and children or youth to work together.
Chinese seniors want more recreation programs, exercises, outdoor activities, seniors
dancing. I don’t think we meet their needs because we lack advertisement, space,
equipment, and facility maintenance.
It is our job as community service to serve the most vulnerable population. We are
located in Chinatown where there is a high percentage of Chinese senior residents.
Research has shown that building and maintaining a healthy community will reduce
crimes, property maintenance, enforcement, police, and ambulance services.
Loneliness is the biggest predictor of death amongst seniors. In our society, aging is
already a pretty isolating experience; now add on top of that, linguistic isolation and
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barriers to the already scarce programs and services we have for seniors as a whole.
That gives you a glimpse into how vulnerable and marginalized Chinese and all other
non-English speaking seniors are.”

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