Social integration of migrants aged 50 and above 

SBI contributors 

Prof. Dr. David Richter, Dr. Stefan Gruber, Dr. Gregor Sand

Project description

Maintaining social connections is a key aspect of well-being in older age, but older migrants often face additional challenges in building and maintaining these networks. SHARE data allow researchers to examine the social integration of first-generation migrants across Europe, considering both close relationships and wider social ties within communities. 

Research shows that levels of social integration vary among migrants, influenced by factors such as region of origin and destination context. While some migrant groups have networks comparable to native-born older adults, others experience lower levels of social connection and participation in social activities. 

Policy and societal context also matter. Countries that support migrants’ access to employment tend to see higher social integration among older migrants, whereas other policy areas, such as family reunification or residency rules, appear less directly related. This research highlights how social, cultural, and structural factors shape the everyday social lives of Europe’s ageing migrant populations. 

Status

Active

Selected publications 

Bleidorn, W., Lenhausen, M. R., Hopwood, C. J., & Richter, D. (2024). Personality and cultural income differences shape the life satisfaction gap between aging immigrants and natives in Europe. Social Psychological and Personality Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506241237293 

Gruber, S., & Sand, G. (2020). Does migration pay off in later life? Income and subjective well-being of older migrants in Europe. Social Indicators Research, 160(2), 969-988. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02502-9 

Gruber, S. (2020). The Long-term Effect of Intra-European Migration on Cognitive Abilities in Later Life. Social Science & Medicine, 265, 113399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113399. 

Gruber, S. (2018). The Long-term Consequences of Migration – Subjective Well-being and Cognitive Abilities of Older Migrants in Europe. Population and Family Studies 3. Doctoral dissertation. University of Bamberg Press. Bamberg. 

Sand, G., & Gruber, S. (2018). Differences in subjective well-being between older migrants and natives in Europe. Journal of immigrant and minority health, 20(1), 83-90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-016-0537-5 

Sand, Gregor (2018): Migration and Well-Being of Older People in Europe. Doctoral dissertation. University of Mannheim. Mannheim. 

Hunkler, C., Kneip, T., Sand, G., & Schuth, M. (2015). Growing old abroad: social and material deprivation among first- and second-generation migrants in Europe. In A. Börsch-Supan, T. Kneip, H. Litwin, M. Myck, & G. Weber (Eds.), Ageing in Europe – supporting policies for an inclusive society (pp. 199-208). Berlin: De Gruyter. 

Hunkler, C., Kneip, T., Sand, G., & Schuth, M. (2015). Identifying second-generation migrants and naturalized respondents in SHARE. In F. Malter & A. Börsch-Supan (Eds.), SHARE Wave 5: Innovations & Methodology (pp. 43-47). Munich: Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA).