Research on Aging
Volume 40, Issue 7, 2018, Pages 599-622

Adult Child Migration and Elderly Multidimensional Well-Being: Comparative Analysis Between Moldova and Georgia (Article) (Open Access)

Vanore M. , Siegel M. , Gassmann F. , Waidler J.*
  • a Maastricht Graduate School of Governance/UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
  • b Maastricht Graduate School of Governance/UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
  • c Maastricht Graduate School of Governance/UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
  • d Maastricht Graduate School of Governance/UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands

Abstract

Despite growing concern over the potential consequences of migration for the “left behind,” few systematic attempts have been made to document the relationship between the migration of an adult child and the well-being of his or her elderly parent(s) remaining in the country of origin. This article proposes a multidimensional elderly well-being index that enables the identification and comparison of outcomes between elderly individuals with and without adult migrant children in Moldova and Georgia, two former Soviet states that are both experiencing demographic and mobility transitions. The outcomes of elderly individuals with and without children living abroad are compared to illustrate in what domains child absence through migration corresponds to differing well-being outcomes. The findings suggest that the migration of an adult child is not as significant a factor in shaping well-being outcomes as would be expected based on past literature; other factors may play much stronger roles in shaping of well-being. © 2017, The Author(s) 2017.

Author Keywords

Moldova multidimensional poverty Migration Elderly Georgia

Index Keywords

male controlled study female outcome assessment Aged adult adult child Moldova Article poverty human wellbeing migrant Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049925907&doi=10.1177%2f0164027517723077&partnerID=40&md5=4be3b79a3378a2109a0fb3494b723687
DOI: 10.1177/0164027517723077
ISSN: 01640275
Original Language: English