NIH-funded research R21 grant

Examining how immigrant integration affects health over time

Official title: Immigrant Integration and Health: Multidimensional and Cross-National Analyses Over the Life Course

Funded at University of Toronto · NIH-10979699 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how the health of older immigrants, especially those from diverse backgrounds, changes as they settle into their new communities over time, focusing on what helps or hinders their physical and mental well-being as they age.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Toronto
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Toronto, Canada)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$346,458
NIH project number1R21AG089167-01
Project IDNIH-10979699 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older immigrants, particularly those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, who may be experiencing cognitive impairment or physical disabilities.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not immigrants or who do not have age-related health concerns may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the health outcomes of older immigrants, particularly those of color, as they integrate into society over their lifetime. It aims to understand the decline in health that occurs as immigrants age, contrasting the initial health advantages they may have upon arrival. By analyzing linked survey and administrative data, the study will explore how various factors of integration, such as social and economic conditions, influence physical and cognitive health. Additionally, it will compare the experiences of immigrants in the U.S. and Canada to identify institutional factors that impact health outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health interventions and policies that support the well-being of older immigrants.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the integration process can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Toronto
    Toronto, Canada
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ye, Leafia Zi — University of Toronto
  • Study coordinator: Ye, Leafia Zi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.