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Mental distress is a common disorder worldwide, which is increasing rapidly with rising aging population. This public health concern is associated with significant levels of disability leading to increased health care costs and loss of social and economic productivity. Health care professionals have realized that to prevent mental health problems in aging population and to curb associated increase in costs, it is important to examine the role of culture and cultural perceptions of mental distress among adults 60 and over. This book describes a qualitative research based on a series of in-depth interviews with South Asian Indian immigrant women (SAIIW) living in the province of Alberta, Canada. A holistic approach was employed in the exploration of SAIIW´s perception and experience of mental distress. Acharya examines the strategies adopted by older SAIIW to avoid mental distress and its consequences. She provides suggestions for health care professionals how to facilitate more involvement of older adults whom society (both in Canada and India) has often left on the fringe of decision-making, including their own assessment and treatment to maintain a healthy mental state.

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Manju P. AcharyaM.A., Ph.D., Sociologist, part-time University Instructor, Athabasca University. She is also an independent educator and researcher in the areas of health, health care, gender, aging, food, and environment.

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