Intersections between Ageing and Migration: Current Trends and Challenges / Intersektionen zwischen Alter und Migration: aktuelle Trends und Herausforderungen / Intersections entre vieillissement et migration : tendances et défis actuels

Author(s) : Ruxandra Oana Ciobanu, Mihaela Nedelcu, Eva Soom Ammann, Karin van Holten

Source : https://doi.org/10.2478/sjs-2020-0010

Abstract:

“Migration and ageing are two of the main contemporary phenomena challenging
modern societies. Although at a first glance they appear to be separate dynamics,
there are multiple intersections between the demographic aging of the population
and the increasing number of people migrating. Such intersections may be identified
in the context of Western European societies, where demographic ageing is partially
attenuated by increasing migration. The shortage of social and health care workforce
furthermore leads to an increase in migrants being employed in care services for
the older population. The migrant population itself is ageing, particularly visible
among former “guest-workers” of the post-WW2 period, facing challenges associated
to restricted welfare benefits, health disparities and specific age-related needs.
Moreover, the predominant policy and research focus on migration as a phenomenon
mostly occurring among younger, healthy individuals does not adequately
grasp the layers of migration and patterns of mobility over the life course. People of
advanced age are moving as well. Such late-in-life migrants engage in mobility for
different reasons, be it to live a secure or more comfortable life, to work and send
remittances back home, to provide or receive family-related care or to have access
to welfare benefits or affordable care services.”