Lifestyle differences between older migrants and non-migrants in 14 European countries using propensity score matching method

Jelena Arsenijevic,Wim Groot

doi:10.1007/s00038-017-1010-5

Jelena Arsenijevic, Wim Groot

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-017-1010-5

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Abstract

ObjectivesWe examine the differences in lifestyle between four groups of migrants—first generation of older migrants originating from one of the EU countries, Africa or the Middle East and second-generation older EU migrants—with non-migrants in their country of destination.MethodsWe use wave 5 of the SHARE data. To control for differences in socio-demographic characteristics, cultural factors and duration of stay in country of destination between migrants and non-migrants, we use propensity matching score analysis.ResultsOlder migrants from Southern European countries are more likely to smoke than non-migrants in their country of origin. Older migrants originating from Africa and the Middle East are more likely to smoke than non-migrants in their country of destination. Some groups of second-generation older migrants are more likely to consume alcohol and to have lower levels of physical activity than non-migrants in their country of destination.ConclusionsOur results show that differences in lifestyle between migrants and non-migrants exist, but they are not solely related to their migrant status. Cultural and socio-demographic characteristics also play a role.

Highlights

With the increase in migration, the integration of migrants has become an important topic of debate
Objectives We examine the differences in lifestyle between four groups of migrants—first generation of older migrants originating from one of the EU countries, Africa or the Middle East and second-generation older EU migrants— with non-migrants in their country of destination
Older migrants from Southern European countries are more likely to smoke than non-migrants in their country of origin

Summary

Introduction

With the increase in migration, the integration of migrants has become an important topic of debate. Assessing differences in lifestyle between the migrants and non-migrants based only on migrant status can yield misleading conclusions about the effect of being a migrant on lifestyle (Heinrich et al 2010). The reason for this is the problem of (self) selection—migrants may differ from nonmigrants in both the country of origin and the country of destination in many observable and unobservable characteristics that influence their lifestyle. These observable characteristics include socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, educational and economic status), acculturation factors (cultural habits in country of origin, assimilation in country of destination) and duration of stay in country of destination (Borjas et al 2015; Lee and Chung 2013)

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