After COVID-19, the Spread of Hate Crimes in the US... Growing Fear Among Elderly Asian Americans

Asian Hate Crimes Total 10,905 Cases... Among Them, 824 Cases Targeted Seniors Aged 60 and Over
Physical Assaults 26.2%, Insults and Ostracism 57.6%

An anti-Asian crime protest was held in Seattle, USA, last March.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] A survey has revealed that the fear of physical threats felt by elderly Asian Americans has increased as hate crimes have spread across the United States following the large-scale COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a joint investigation report released on the 29th (local time) by the nonprofit organization Stop AAPI Hate and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), a total of 10,905 hate crimes against Asians were reported to the organization from March 2020 to December 2021, of which 824 were crimes targeting seniors aged 60 and over.

The report analyzed, "Over the past two years, COVID-19 has exacerbated threats to the safety and health of Asian American seniors aged 60 and above," adding, "It has created a feeling that the U.S. is becoming a physically more dangerous place for Asian Americans." It continued, "Even before the pandemic, Asian Americans were a vulnerable group, but through the pandemic, they have increasingly felt threats to their safety," and "Asian hate crimes have instilled greater fear and concern about violence among Asian Americans living in densely populated urban areas."

According to the report, more than a quarter (26.2%) of hate crime incidents experienced by seniors involved physical assault. Additionally, 57.6% of seniors aged 60 and above experienced verbal insults or bullying.

Among elderly Asian victims of hate crimes, 65.5% reported experiencing stress. The report pointed out that this is a very high figure compared to 24.2% of all Asian Americans who are in a state of mental stress. Furthermore, it explained that social isolation experienced by seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic led to depression, anxiety, and deterioration of physical health.

The report stated, "Mental health issues among Asian American seniors often go undetected due to systemic, language, and cultural barriers," and suggested, "Community-based organizations are best suited to assist them, but governments at all levels can also provide appropriate programs to address the structural problems of their isolation and fear."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.