[Aging in a foreign environment].

Abstract

This article discusses some aspects in Environmental Gerontology concerning the living conditions of elderly foreigners (migrants) who have been living and working in Germany for 20 to 30 years. First, deficits of the present research situation of elderly migrants are described. Second, with regard to the differentiation of "normal aging" and "aging with significant competence losses" two environment-relevant issues are analyzed: Living arrangement (home, residential unit, residential quarter) and the utilization of social services and institutions for the aged. The paper closes with some ideas on "ethnic aging and gerontological research".