Health Patterns among Migrant and Non-Migrant Middle- and Older-Aged Individuals in Europe—Analyses Based on Share 2004–2017
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: European populations are becoming older and more diverse. Little is known about the health differences between the migrant and non-migrant elderly in Europe. The aim of this paper was to analyse changes in the health patterns of middle- and older-aged migrant and non-migrant populations in Europe from 2004 to 2017, with a specific focus on differences in age and gender. We analysed changes in the health patterns of older migrants and non-migrants in European countries from 2004 to 2017. METHOD: = 233,117) we analysed three health indicators (physical functioning, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health). Logistic regression models for complex samples were calculated. Interaction terms (wave * migrant * gender * age) were used to analyse gender and age differences and the change over time. RESULTS: Middle- and older-aged migrants in Europe showed significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms, lower self-rated health, and a higher proportion of limitations on general activities compared to non-migrants. However, different time trends were observed. An increasing health gap was identified in the physical functioning of older males. Narrowing health gaps over time were observed in women. DISCUSSION: An increasing health gap in physical functioning in men is evidence of cumulative disadvantage. In women, evidence points towards the hypothesis of aging-as-leveler. These different results highlight the need for specific interventions focused on healthy ageing in elderly migrant men.
Institution: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Language: English
Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,484
Awards: Multinational Advancement of Research Infrastructures on Ageing, G1330667123, G1428006373, G1750703574, G1778268290, G1820526844, G2077389594, G2343781458, G2465118858, G2496819784, G3166864496, G323020161, G3457581384, G3687180791, HEALTH AND ECONOMIC STATUS IN OLDER POPULATIONS, RAND Center for the Study of Aging, Upgrading the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe – preparatory phase, G4569152855, G4607009072, G4847675667, G5618942462, G598697797, DEVELOPING AN ISRAELI VERSION OF THE HRS/SHARE PROJECT, Longitudinal Enhancement and Access imProvement of the SHARE infrastructure, Understanding and Improving Healthcare Decision-Making and Outcomes for People Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, Health and Retirement Study: Yrs 35-40, G938892667, G939349750
OpenAlex ID: W3213364524