‘A totally new world has been opening up for me’ – experiences of older German migrants who are actively involved in the German-speaking community in Ottawa, Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACTDuring the post-war period (1951–1957), Canada received high numbers of German migrants, when approximately 200,000 Germans entered the country. Today, this first wave of post-war migrants has reached old age. However, little is known about the situation of older German migrants in Canada. With the help of a case study, this paper examines the situation of older German migrants who are actively involved in the life of the German-speaking community in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Drawing on in-depth interviews and participant observations, it takes into consideration the influence which their emigration background has on their experience of growing old in Canada. Furthermore, it specifically addresses the vulnerabilities these people are facing as well as the different coping strategies they apply. The results show that although the group of older Germans in this study does not face any structural disadvantages, they experience some emotional issues and vulnerabilities, such as a nostalgic longing for their homeland. These and other challenges they face in their later lives are addressed by the use of active coping strategies which significantly contribute to their own well-being.