Migration background and loneliness among middle-aged and older adults in Germany

Abstract

Currently, there is limited knowledge about the association between amigration background and loneliness among middle-aged and older individuals in Germany. The aim was therefore to examine the association between migration background and loneliness in this group. Data were taken from the German Ageing Survey (Wave7, November 2020 to March 2021), arepresentative sample of middle-aged and older individuals. The sample comprised 4145 individuals, and the mean age was 63.8 years. Of the respondents, 93.2% had no migration background, approximately 5.9% had amigration background with personal migration experience, and 0.9% had amigration background but no personal migration experience. The De Jong Gierveld tool was used to quantify loneliness. Multiple linear regressions showed that individuals with amigration background and their own migration experience have significantly higher levels of loneliness (β = 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004 to 0.30, p < 0.05) compared to individuals without amigration background, whereas individuals with amigration background without their own migration experience have significantly lower levels of loneliness (β = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.02 p < 0.05). Individuals with amigration background and their own migration experience appear to represent arisk group for high loneliness among middle-aged and older adults in Germany. In this respect, this group should be given special consideration in corresponding measures. Against the background of current (and potential future) migration movements, the results are of great importance as these groups in particular could be affected by loneliness.