Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Forced migration is progressively influencing global aging, yet elder refugees are still underrepresented in migration and gerontological research. Elderly Afghan refugees face increased risks due to social marginalization, restricted access to healthcare, and legal precarity in long-term displacement environments like Pakistan. Although refugee wellness is receiving more attention, little is known about how aging affect’s identity and health in these contexts. This study looks at how vulnerability among older Afghan refugees in Pakistan is shaped by the intersections of aging, health, and identity. By emphasizing later-life experiences among refugee populations and stressing the sociocultural and structural aspects of aging in displacement, it seeks to advance the field of aging science. In-depth interviews and structured surveys were combined in a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 372 senior Afghan refugees (60 years of age and older) living in urban and peri-urban regions made up the quantitative component. To document lived experiences of aging, identity negotiation, and care practices, a subset of individuals participated in qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to examine the data. Significant health disparities are observed among elderly Afghan refugees, with widespread chronic illness, poor nutrition, and limited healthcare access. Regression results show that income (β = 5.12, p < 0.001), healthcare access (β = 3.85, p < 0.01), nutrition (β = 4.27, p < 0.01), and social support (β = 3.14, p < 0.05) significantly improve health outcomes. Mental health is strongly affected by social isolation (OR = 1.35, p < 0.001), while family support is protective (OR = 0.72, p < 0.05). Informal care remains central but strained. The study emphasizes how important it is to incorporate aging views into refugee practice and policy. Targeted interventions that acknowledge the interaction of aging, displacement, and identity in generating vulnerability are necessary to address the health and social needs of older refugees. Not applicable.
Source: Discover Aging
Author: Muhammad Asad Latif
Institution: Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Language: English
Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204254882