Aging Perceptions and Experiences Among Older Migrants from Low-and Middle-Income Countries to High-Income Countries: a Qualitative Systematic Review.

Abstract

Contemporary societies are increasingly becoming diverse, and the needs of older people continue to emerge as a public health priority. Older migrants from low-and middle-income countries to high-income countries have been noted to have poorer health, ultimately affecting their quality of life. While social policymakers strive to achieve inclusivity in framing and implementing policies for older people, older migrants from low-and middle-income countries continue to be underrepresented in research, therefore, limiting their contribution to policy decisions regarding their well-being. Older migrants from low- and middle-income countries have unique experiences that can contribute to policy towards their welfare. The aim of this review is to explore the perceptions and experiences of aging among older migrants from low- and middle-income countries to high-income countries. Five databases were systematically searched for published literature. Twenty-four studies were included in the final synthesis. The included studies were synthesized using an overlapping three-phase approach of inductive coding, developing descriptive themes, and merging the descriptive themes into analytic themes. Five main analytic themes emerged: social support and network as facilitators and barriers to aging, aging between two worlds, fostering health and well-being, resilience of identity, and ensuring economic stability and empowerment. Older migrants can benefit from policy interventions that consider their experiences.