Family as a Health-Maintaining Resource for Late Repatriates? A Qualitative Study of Health Attitudes in Old Age

Abstract

In the context of demographic changes in Germany, it can be observed that the number of older people among the second largest migrant group - the so-called late repatriates - is on the rise. The health and utilisation behaviour of preventive measures by this group differs from that of the German population or people with a different migration background. An essential prerequisite for the design of target group-specific prevention measures is the knowledge of health expectations of the late repatriates. The goal of this study was to show the importance of the family and the predominant role models of late repatriates in health attitudes. Guided interviews were conducted with 13 late repatriates in Russian and evaluated using the documentary method. The family and the care for (grand-)children was a central element of the preservation of health of the respondents. The traditional role models brought from the Soviet Union were partly preserved and partly (regardless the gender) expanded by the care for the (grand-)children. The involvement of (grand-)children has a health-promoting effect on maintaining health in late repatriates and can encourage their use of preventive measures.