Abstract
The prevalence of loneliness among Turkish–Dutch and Moroccan–Dutch older adults is higher than among Dutch older adults of non-migrant origin. Three explanations may account for this difference: (1) differential item functioning might result in scores that vary in intensity and in meaning across categories; (2) the position of migrants is much more vulnerable than that of non-migrants; (3) the lack of protective factors has more severe consequences for older migrants. The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam interviewed 176 persons born in Morocco and 235 born in Turkey, aged 55–66 and living in urban areas. They are compared with a matched sample of 292 Dutch persons. The psychometric properties of the loneliness scale are satisfying, although there is some differential item functioning. Older migrants have more frequent social contacts but are at a disadvantage in other domains. Taking into account differences in social participation, satisfaction with income, mastery and depressive symptoms, the difference between older migrants’ and non-migrants’ loneliness is reduced by more than half. Protective factors are equally important for older migrants and non-migrants. Exceptions are marriage (less protective for Moroccans), frequent contact with children/children-in-law (mostly for Turks), a higher educational level (protects Moroccans and Turks) and better physical functioning (less for Turks). Being an older migrant and belonging to a minority might further contribute to feelings of loneliness. Interventions can be directed at stimulating social contact, but also at aspects like enhancing the appreciation of their social status and avoiding negative interpretations of a situation.
Highlights
Compared to people without a migration background, loneliness among migrants is common (Ajrouch 2008; Fokkema and Naderi 2013; Vancluysen and Van Craen 2011)
We examine whether differences in loneliness between people aged 55–66 of Moroccan, Turkish and Dutch origin can be understood based on three factors: in comparison with non-migrants, migrants (1) have a different understanding of the concept of loneliness and report loneliness relatively quickly; (2) have higher loneliness-related risks; and (3) suffer more severe consequences when protective factors are lacking
Older migrants of Moroccan origin and in particular of Turkish origin are on average lonelier than their Dutch age peers
Summary
Compared to people without a migration background, loneliness among migrants is common (Ajrouch 2008; Fokkema and Naderi 2013; Vancluysen and Van Craen 2011). Prevalence among migrants varies depending on their origin. In England, the prevalence is high among older adults from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Africa and the Caribbean, but not among those of Indian origin (Victor et al 2012). In Canada, loneliness among older migrants from a different linguistic and cultural background is above average, in contrast to migrants who have many similarities with Canadian-born older adults (de Jong Gierveld et al 2015). Older migrants in Canada are more lonely, but not when they identify themselves as British or French (Wu and Penning 2015).
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