[Organization and perception of low threshold services for older migrants in communities. Chances for social participation in the context of voluntary engagement]

Development of a Resocialization Scale for Chinese Older Adult Migrants

With a rapidly aging population in China, resocialization is a concern amidst an increasing influx of older adult migrants. The aim of the current study was to develop a resocialization assessment scale for older migrants within the Chinese context. The study was conducted in two phases. A literature review and qualitative interview were performed to generate a draft scale that was further examined through Delphi expert consultation. Participants comprised 509 older migrants selected for a questionnaire survey. Analysis identified 62 items across four factors: interpersonal relationships, behavioral patterns, cultural integration, and social roles. Reliability and validity of the resulting assessment scale were verified. The scale can be used to evaluate the degree of resocialization exhibited by older migrants in Chinese communities. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 15(5), 245-253.].

[Strengthening of social participation of Turkish seniors]

BACKGROUND

Traditional municipal services are not successful at reaching Turkish seniors. Compared to native Germans Turkish seniors have a lower social participation.

OBJECTIVE

Do native language groups hosted by a German organization promote the social participation of Turkish seniors? How does social participation take place in the ZWAR networks (between work and retirement; a project to strengthen social participation of seniors) and which factors promote or reduce social participation?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Qualitative structuring content analysis of two group discussions, which were based on guided interviews.

RESULTS

The social participation of Turkish-speaking seniors was strengthened on three levels: (1) through regular meetings of the Turkish ethnic group social relationships were promoted and German language skills and other skills were improved. Through mutual sharing and understanding of the stressors specific to migration, emotional support was provided. The sharing of mutual cultural and linguistic backgrounds created a sense of community and meetings were perceived as an antidote to migrants' exhausting lives in German society. (2) At the organizational level, participation was promoted through extensive group events. Regardless of their cultural background all participants identified as equal ZWAR members. The ZWAR project functioned as an umbrella organization for participation in the intercultural context. (3) Participation in community events created contacts with community stakeholders and fostered volunteer work. Hence, participants were able to use their skills, and therefore broaden their horizons.

CONCLUSION

Turkish ZWAR networks promoted the social participation of members because integration with their ethnic group reduced access barriers, broadened members' scopes of action, and created new opportunities for participation.

[Reaching elderly migrants where they live : Experiences from the Swiss "Vicino" project]

BACKGROUND

Community involvement through formal and informal networks is an important resource of support for elderly people with or without a migrant background, particularly as they get older. In the research and development project "Vicino - reaching elderly migrants where they live" the factors for success and failure in the cooperation between public institutions (organizations which do not focus on a specific group of migrants but are accessible for everybody) and migrant organizations were identified by means of three participatory interventions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Vicino is based on a secondary analysis of population statistics and qualitative interviews with elderly migrants as well as experts. Furthermore, three interventions were conducted. The data collection took place in a rural, an urban and an agglomeration municipality.

RESULTS

The results showed that nationality-specific and language-specific networks play an important role for the majority of elderly migrants; however, commuting activities between the country of origin and country of reception have a major influence on the use of local networks and public services. It is recommended that public services wanting to collaborate with migrant organizations use participatory methods. It has to be ensured that elderly migrants are involved through key persons and approaching methods and that their transnational networks are included right from the beginning of a project.

CONCLUSION

The development of services in the area of age and migration ought to involve the participation of elderly migrants and take their commuting activities into account as these activities have an impact on their use of public institutions and their involvement in migrant organizations.