We Are Aging Too! Exploring the Social Impact of Late-Life Migration among Older Immigrants in the United States

Abstract

Although aging and migration are major global demographic trends, little attention has been given to the health and well-being of immigrants who migrate later-in-life. Drawing on the social convoy perspective, we examine the social impact of late-life migration and explore patterns of human service provision among late-life immigrants in a midwestern U.S. region. Using qualitative data (N ¼ 71)-in-depth interviews and focus group discussions-from diverse key informants, including late-life immigrants and local human service providers, our study attempts to expand the knowledge base on late-life migration and garner community-generated solutions for the well-being of this unique population.

Study protocol for a systematic review of the social determinants of mental health and well-being of older migrants aged 50 years and above

“…Migration later in life (circular or permanent) requires specific attention as adapting to an unfamiliar environment can be particularly stressful for the elderly (Jang et al, 2020). Review studies considering the intersection of aging and migration are either country-specific, focused on the general ageing experiences, migration from developed to developing countries, or the social impact of late-life migration (Georgeou et al, 2021, Tang & Zolnikov, 2021Maleku et al, 2021;Wang & Lai, 2020). The mental health impact of conflict-induced forced migration has also been studied extensively with a particular focus on refugees and asylum seekers (Virgincar et al, 2016).…”

Developing Cultural Competence in Aging and Beyond

“…These brief insights should not be taken as a cultural primer (Brotman et al, 2020;Fredriksen Goldsen & de Vries, 2019;Harootyan et al, 2021;Lee et al, 2019;Maleku et al, 2022). Rather, treat them as a starting point for embarking on your cultural awareness journey.…”

Taking Refuge in Religion: Buddhist-Oriented Coping following Late-Life Immigration

“…Findings regarding the impact of religion in coping with migratory challenges have been primarily coincidental (e.g., Choudhry, 2001;Maleku et al, 2021;Silveira & Allebeck, 2001). The few studies that have explicitly examined the link between religion and coping among older immigrants (e.g., Ciobanu & Fokkema, 2017;Kim, 2013;Roh, Lee, & Yoon, 2013;Zhang & Zhan, 2009) demonstrate that religiosity counterbalances migration-related grief and loss, but they primarily focus on Judeo-Christian samples.…”

“…The diverse motivations behind late-life immigration can lead to a variety of experiences, including new opportunities and experiences as well as unwanted outcomes (Finney & Marshall, 2018). Leaving one's homeland and adapting to a linguistically and culturally dissimilar societal framework can be a stressful life transition (Levitt, Lane, & Levitt, 2005;Maleku, España, Jarrott, Karandikar, & Parekh, 2021). Migration also interferes with the typical transitions associated with aging (Mui & Shibusawa, 2008), because most older adults prefer to age in place (Treas, 2009).…”