A particularly vulnerable subgroup of refugees are older adults. This qualitative study examined experiences of 22 older Iraqi refugee women. Employing the Conservation of Resources framework, stressors experienced and resiliency demonstrated are explored. Narratives emphasized challenges faced prior to and post entry; participants’ expectations and actual experiences of life in the United States; and coping strategies employed. Common themes included expectations shaped by media; loss of homeland, culture, and loved ones; and importance of personal and environmental resources for adaptation. Despite commonalities, variations emerged. Findings highlight the importance of individualized assessment of older refugees and tailored responses to promote acculturation and healthy functioning. © The Author(s) 2017.

Women Resilience Stress Iraq Refugees Conservation of Resources older adults

voice female Iraq coping behavior stress narrative Aged expectation refugee clinical article cultural factor qualitative research Article United States human human experiment