Abstract

During the 1970s and 1980s, a large number of South Americans and Central Americans immigrated to Québec escaping from dictatorships and civil wars. Many aged here, while others, older, came later or are still coming today to join their family linked to their own cultural background, under special acceptance programs. Their reality in Canada is different to that of other older immigrants. Therefore, this study aims to examine the growing need to recognize and acknowledge Latin American cultures in the development of policies and services related to older people in Canada. In this thesis, the living conditions of older Latin American people in Montréal will be summarized and issues of intercultural communication specific to the Latin American context will be identified. Whether the development and delivery of services for older people living in Montréal support the unique cultural needs of older Latin American people will be discussed. Finally, suggestions for the development of improved services will be provided in order to emphasize the need to recognize and acknowledge Latin American cultures in the development of policies and services related to older people in Montréal