Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
Volume 31, Issue 4, 2017, Pages 1031-1038

Older migrants in exile: the past holding hands with the present – a qualitative study (Article)

Nielsen D.* , Minet L. , Zeraiq L. , Rasmussen D.N. , Sodemann M.
  • a Migrant Health Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, Health Sciences Research Center, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark
  • b Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, Department of Rehabilitation, REHAB – Unit of Rehabilitation Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, Health Sciences Research Center, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark
  • c Migrant Health Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
  • d Migrant Health Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
  • e Migrant Health Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the everyday life conditions experienced by older migrants and their reasons for specific age- and health-related behaviour during the conduct of everyday life. The study comprised 16 qualitative interviews with migrants aged 56–96 years from Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Somalia. The three themes that emerged from the conditions, meanings and reasons analysis illustrated that the older persons were trapped in various ways –without language, in fragmented families and in an unfamiliar structure. We identified these themes as The importance of the life history, Lost in language barriers and Having a national sense of belonging. The main findings emphasise the vulnerability of older migrants in a resettlement country. With an unclear national identity and without the local language, older migrants struggle to develop a clear vision of their role in a minority community in a foreign country. Besides language skills and the need for interpreters, health professionals need to consider issues such as life history, traumas and national belonging when their usual approaches to managing health-related topics have failed. © 2017 Nordic College of Caring Science

Author Keywords

Migrants language barriers Belonging Nursing homes older people life history everyday life trauma

Index Keywords

Denmark male female Aged, 80 and over Communication Barriers very elderly communication barrier Aged Transients and Migrants middle aged human Humans migration Middle East
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018918804&doi=10.1111%2fscs.12428&partnerID=40&md5=263e01c260f8ebc011bd33160d19a09d
DOI: 10.1111/scs.12428
ISSN: 02839318
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English