"Waves" of Asian Indian elderly immigrants: what can practitioners learn?

This article offers insight and recommendations to professionals working with the Asian Indian elderly population, and suggestions for future research on this rapidly growing segment of the US population. It compares and contrasts the experiences of three different "waves" of Asian Indian immigrants that migrated since 1965. In particular, the article explores the reasons for migration, the challenges faced following migration, legal status and cultural values among the three waves of Asian Indian immigrants and how these factors influenced each group's adaptation and experience in the USA as mature adults (over age 55). The article concludes with recommendations on how this knowledge should influence professionals working with Asian Indian elderly on an individual or a community basis, as they plan and organize culturally sensitive services.