Social-Environmental Challenges on Physical and Psychological Health Among South Asian Older Adults in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s aging population includes a growing number of South Asian older adults who experience social-environmental challenges in healthcare settings, including language mismatches, limited cultural responsiveness, and reduced support. These conditions reflect broader patterns of exclusion, cultural marginalization, and reduced social connectedness, which may heighten chronic stress and contribute to health disparities. Grounded in social determinants of health (SDH) and social exclusion frameworks, this study examines how structural and perceived social-environmental challenges relate to physical and psychological health among older South Asian immigrants. A cross-sectional survey of 215 adults aged 55+ was analyzed using hierarchical regression. Higher perceived social-environmental challenges were significantly associated with poorer physical (β = −.37) and psychological health (β = −.28), with a non-significant trend toward a stronger association for physical health. Findings underscore the need for culturally competent, linguistically accessible, and socially inclusive healthcare approaches.