Aging Muslim immigrants transitioning from Muslim majority countries to Muslim minority countries: A scoping review addressing dynamics of occupation, place, and identity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Immigration can challenge aging people’s health, social inclusion, and continued engagement in meaningful occupations, causing loss of and/or change in social status, relationships, and roles; all of which can be intimately tied to place and identity. Such losses may lead to depression, isolation, and can negatively affect quality of life. This scoping review aimed to better understand how aging Muslim immigrants re-establish and enact occupations and negotiate their identities across various places in the host country. Findings revealed the diverse ways aging Muslim immigrants made complex negotiations after migrating to an unfamiliar Muslim minority country to fulfill important roles, navigate ways to participate in meaningful occupations, and express their identities safely across places. The reviewed studies showed how this group was frequently confronted by challenges, including cultural and religious rejection, disruption in occupations, and structural barriers. However, many found ways to overcome these challenges through occupational engagement and social connectivity, which supported their integration process. Increased attention to the occupations of aging immigrants will allow researchers, service providers, and policy makers to make meaningful contributions to improve the lives of aging Muslim immigrants.