“We try to help each other out”: Older immigrants' perceptions of their support resources

Abstract

The number of older migrants is steadily increasing in immigration-receiving countries. Studies show that older immigrants tend to be vulnerable to poverty, health problems, and mental distress. They often face barriers when seeking formal assistance and rely on informal support from family and community members. The present study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of older immigrants regarding the support resources available to them as they navigate the challenges of their multifaceted needs in their host country.

The study involved in-depth interviews with 21 older immigrants (ages 74–96) from the former Soviet Union (FSU) who migrated to Israel at ages 43–65. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Three categories of support resources emerged: (1) Family: participants attached great importance to family members' support and relationships, maintained connections with relatives abroad, and emphasized the reciprocal nature of family support; (2) Community: support came from friends and neighbors, long-distance relationships with old friends, and ethnic or local immigrant communities, including those formed in assisted living settings; (3) State authorities: participants expressed mixed perceptions about formal assistance, including both appreciation and discomfort. The findings are discussed in light of social exchange theory and intersectionality theory, highlighting the agency and resilience of older immigrants, despite their position at the intersection of age, migration status, and cultural marginalization.