Black retirement migration in the United States

The specific aim of this study was to extend the analysis of retirement migration patterns to older Blacks. The 1980 Census public use sample A provided the data for this analysis. Because of their strong initial southern settlement and their labor force out-migration patterns in this century, many older Black migrants are "provincial return migrants" to the South, a migrant type that may decline among Blacks in the future. There is also a regional counterstream migration pattern among older Black migrants. Out-migrants in this stream from the South have elevated indicators of dependency. Suggestions are made for other related studies of Black retirement migration.     

Asset accumulation and transfer for old age: a study on Peruvian and Moroccan migration to Spain

Population ageing constitutes a major determinant of contemporary international migration, acting both as a push and pull factor in countries of origin and reception. From a micro-perspective, longevity, economic instability and migration are also affecting personal life as well as family organisation and solidarity. The aim of this paper is to focus on the strategies, in individual and family spheres, that migrants and their loved ones develop to accumulate and transfer assets, in order to respond to the demands of the elderly and counteract the uncertainties of advancing age. To capture this reality we conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with Peruvian and Moroccan migrants in Spain, and with returnees and relatives in the two countries of origin between 2006 and 2010. Both cases demonstrate that country contexts, together with personal experiences and family relationships, determine where to stay, and with whom or with what to support oneself as one grows older. More recently, the economic crisis in Spain that is negatively influencing social and migration policies, reducing migrants’ economic gains, and placing new burdens on people’s shoulders, is affecting these asset accumulation and transfer activities for old age.     

Regional differences in the characteristics of elderly return migrants.

We examined return migrants age 60+ and argue from a regional analysis of their population characteristics that they fall into two primary types of movers: provincial return migrants and counterstream return migrants. When profiled as a whole, using 1980 census microdata, return migrants are older and more residentially dependent than nonreturn migrants. However, when regional variations are considered, this generalization breaks down. Perhaps return to one's state of birth is overemphasized in discussions of counterstream migration. Provincial return migration seems strongest in the South, with an interesting racial twist, and counterstream return migration seems strongest in the Northeast. Conceivably it is not a return to one's state of birth that is at issue among counterstream migrants, but rather a return from a Sunbelt retirement move to an earlier place of residence, regardless of whether one was born there.     

A first look at retirement migration trends in 2000

PURPOSE: This brief report takes a look at the preliminary estimates of the number and proportion of migrants over the age of 60 who moved to and from states between 1995 and 2000 and compares these estimates with those who made the same kind of move one decade earlier. DESIGN AND METHODS: The 2000 census 1-in-100 public-use microdata sample, released in the summer of 2003, and the 1-in-20 sample from the 1990 census, were compared in this analysis. Point estimates of 100% were created for the inflows and outflows for the top 10 states in these two census decades. Net migration was also considered. RESULTS: The total estimated number of older interstate migrants increased to over 2 million during the 1995-2000 migration period. Florida declined slightly in its position as the dominant destination for a second decade, indicating a downward trend for the first time. Arizona became the second largest receiving state, next to Florida, and California approached New York's dominance as a migration origin, or sending, state. Nevada entered the top ranking retirement states for the first time. IMPLICATIONS: Long-term migration dynamics of the older population may reflect perceived shifts in quality of life in destination states. Nonetheless, the next two decades will see a substantial rise in the number of older migrants.     

Family, state, class and solidarity: re-conceptualising intergenerational solidarity through the grounded theory approach

The relationship between class and intergenerational solidarities in the public and private spheres calls for further conceptual and theoretical development. This article discusses the findings from the first wave of a qualitative longitudinal study entitled Changing Generations, conducted in Ireland in 2011–2012, comprising 100 in-depth interviews with men and women across the age and socioeconomic spectrums. Constructivist grounded theory analysis of the data gives rise to the following postulates: (1) intergenerational solidarity at the family level is strongly contoured by socioeconomic status (SES); (2) intergenerational solidarity evolves as family generations observe each others’ practices and adjust their expectations accordingly; (3) intergenerational solidarity within families is also shaped by the public sphere (the welfare state) that generates varying expectations and levels of solidarity regarding State supports for different age groups, again largely dependent on SES; (4) the liberal welfare state context, especially at a time of economic crisis, enhances the significance of intergenerational solidarity within families. We conclude by calling for research that is attuned to age/generation, gender and class, and how these operate across the family and societal levels.     

Changing policies, changing patterns of care: Danish and Swedish home care at the crossroads

Despite pursuing the policy of ageing in place, the two Nordic countries of Denmark and Sweden have taken diverse roads in regard to the provision of formal, public tax-financed home care for older people. Whilst Sweden has cut down home care and targeted services for the most needy, Denmark has continued the generous provision of home care. This article focuses on the implication of such diverse policies for the provision and combination of formal and informal care resources for older people. Using data from Level of Living surveys (based on interviews with a total of 1,158 individuals aged 67–87 in need of practical help), the article investigates the consequences of the two policy approaches for older people of different needs and socio-economic backgrounds and evaluates how the development corresponds with ideals of universalism in the Nordic welfare model. Our findings show that in both countries tax-funded home care is used across social groups but targeting of resources at the most needy in Sweden creates other inequalities: Older people with shorter education are left with no one to resort to but the family, whilst those with higher education purchase help from market providers. Not only does this leave some older people more at risk, it also questions the degree of de-familialisation which is otherwise often proclaimed to be a main characteristic of the Nordic welfare model.     

Die Beschäftigung von Migranten/innen in der Pflege

This contribution tries to name key elements for a research agenda to study the increasing importance of the transnational migration for the formation of the social caring processes in the developed part of the world. First, the formal employment of people with migrant background in the German system for the delivery of care is regarded. Right now, there are no reliable data available which could give information about the degree of formal participation of migrants in the health and social care sector. It is agreed that in the future the service branch holds an increasing potential for employing people with migrant background. However, up to now, an initiative to qualify these younger migrant cohorts intensively is needed in order to compensate their educational and social disadvantages. The second part concentrates on the impact and development of informal work structures in care seen as irregular work participation in private households by migrants who are mostly from east-European countries. In a comparison between Germany, Austria and Italy, specific patterns of state policies toward this irregular work are analyzed; the phenomenon of a modern 'care drain' is analyzed and discussed in respect of the welfare state policies as well as of the potentials of action on the part of both migrants and family households.     

Advancing Geriatrics Research,Education, and Practice: Policy Challenges After the Great Recession

The series of articles in this JGIM issue provides a number of policy-relevant recommendations for advancing geriatrics research, education and practice. Despite the unprecedented pressure to reduce state and federal spending, policymakers must concurrently address the challenges of a growing population of older individuals with increasingly complex health care problems. Thus, there may be opportunities to advance this agenda in creative ways. For example, without new spending, federal research agencies can make changes to encourage needed new directions in aging research, and the ACA provides new funding opportunities such as the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. States and the federal government have an increasing need for the health professions workforce to have collaborative care skills and geriatrics clinical competencies, and are finding ways to invest in relevant initiatives. On the clinical program side, state and federal governments are initiating programs to promote delivery system changes that improve the care of older adults. Nonetheless, in the face of the policy challenges that have persisted after the “great recession,” academic geriatrics and general internal medicine will need to join forces with public and private interests to secure the resources needed to advance this ambitious agenda for geriatrics research, education and practice.     

New for old – recent developments in public policies towards older workers in the United Kingdom

This article reviews recent developments in public policies towards older workers in the United Kingdom. In the last decade, against a background of population ageing, tightening labour markets and a recognition that older workers face barriers in the labour market, successive UK governments have begun to implement policies aimed at increasing labour force participation rates among this group. These have included education campaigns encouraging the recruitment and retention of older workers by firms and assistance and guidance aimed at helping older workers to obtain training and to make decisions about returning to work. The impact of these policies is discussed and proposals for developments in policies are set out.     

The long voyage home: Return migration among aging cocoa farmers of Ghana

This paper examines the factors which influence return migration by rural farmers, aged 45 and older, among the Ashanti of Ghana, West Africa. Coming home is a key transition in the life course of rural migrants because it marks the start of mature adulthood. Among cocoa farmers, successful return migration depends on synchronizing the economic life of cocoa trees with the farmers' life course. Migrant farmers must weigh the advantages of income from cocoa, particularly for achieving positions of power and respect, against the loss of family support when they live away from their hometown for many years. Reduced profitability of cocoa production combined with increasing demands on the resources of aging farmers are limiting the ability of rural migrants to return home. Those who delay find that cocoa farming increasingly conflicts with their need to participate in the family network of support. Aging migrants who remain in remote farming villages can face considerable hardship because these villages are not an appropriate social setting for growing old.     

New for old – recent developments in public policies towards older workers in the United Kingdom

Summary This article reviews recent developments in public policies towards older workers in the United Kingdom. In the last decade, against a background of population ageing, tightening labour markets and a recognition that older workers face barriers in the labour market, successive UK governments have begun to implement policies aimed at increasing labour force participation rates among this group. These have included education campaigns encouraging the recruitment and retention of older workers by firms and assistance and guidance aimed at helping older workers to obtain training and to make decisions about returning to work. The impact of these policies is discussed and proposals for developments in policies are set out. Received: 5 June 2000 Accepted: 16 June 2000     

Australian pathways and solutions for dealing with older impaired doctors: a prevention model

Our ageing medical workforce poses many challenges, not the least of which is acknowledging the contributions of ageing practitioners who continue to practise safely and competently while ensuring that those who are incompetent by virtue of impairment are identified, assessed and either rehabilitated or encouraged to retire. Hitherto, there has been little attempt to review approaches to impairment on a national basis in Australia, let alone with a focus on older doctors. Information regarding pathways for dealing with impairment was obtained from the websites and confirmed by representatives of regulatory bodies of every state or territory in Australia. Using a prevention model we outline the current Australian regulatory processes, address some of the barriers and suggest some solutions to dealing with the older impaired doctor. Much of the focus in dealing with the older impaired doctor is tertiary prevention based, that is, reducing the negative influence of established impairment. There is some uniformity in the way that Australian regulatory bodies deal with impairment that espouses the dual goals of protecting the public and rehabilitating the doctor. The approach is typically individualized and multi-levelled, beginning with assessment followed by rehabilitation where appropriate. A range of secondary and primary prevention measures is proposed for dealing with the problem of the older impaired doctor. These include educating the medical community, encouraging early notification and facilitating career planning and timely retirement of older doctors. This will have benefits both in protecting the public as well as preventing an undignified and humiliating end to often-unblemished careers in medicine.     

Intergenerational solidarity and the family–welfare state balance

The article addresses the strength and character of intergenerational family solidarity under different family cultures and welfare state regimes in order to answer the following two questions: (1) Is intergenerational solidarity stronger under the more collectivist southern family tradition than under the more individualist northern tradition? (2) Is more generous access to social care services a risk or a resource for family care? These questions are explored with data from the OASIS project, a comparative study among the urban populations aged 25+ (n=6,106) in Norway, England, Germany, Spain, and Israel. The findings indicate that the welfare state has not crowded out the family in elder care, but has rather helped the generations establish more independent relationships. Intergenerational solidarity is substantial in both the northern and southern welfare state regimes, and seems to vary in character more than in strength.     

Schistosomiasis in a migrating population in the lake region of China and its potential impact on control operation

Coverage of migrating people in schistosomiasis control program is a growing concern in China. Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum is still one of the major infectious diseases of public health importance in China though tremendous efforts have been made to control the transmission over the past decades. Along with the rapid social-economic development, migrant population has been remarkably increasing across the country. The infected migrants may introduce a new souse of infection to endemic areas or the areas where the transmission had been controlled or interrupted but the intermediate host Oncomelania snail is still present. Preliminary studies for surveillance on schistosomiasis prevalence in migrants were reported, but there is little basic information provided. We carried out an investigation on the prevalence in immigrants, emigrants and permanent residents in three villages of Hunan province located in the main endemic area of lake region, and analyzed the potential impact of migration on control practice. In the study villages, the migrant population accounts for 53.6% of the total. Schistosoma infection was detected by modified Kato-Katz method and miracidium hatching test. Questionnaire survey was conducted comprising knowledge of disease and its transmission, water contact, personal protective measures, and whether examined and treated after water contact. The survey indicated that the migrants and permanent residents had similar life style, and the majority of them experienced water contact in agricultural work or routine life activities. However, the infection rate in immigrants was significantly higher than that in permanent residents. It was also found that the migrants had significantly less knowledge about the disease than the permanent residents, and took no personal protective measures. This is due to that the control program could not cover the migrants when they were absent at the time the program being implemented. The present study suggested that the surveillance and intervention for migrants, immigrants in particular, should be included and strengthened in schistosomiasis control program and a feasible scheme be developed.     

Intergenerational perspectives on ageing,economics and globalisation

Evidence shows population ageing to be historically a product of economic development, closely associated with high living standards and national affluence. Nonetheless, fears that an aged population leads to economic stagnation and public bankruptcy are widespread. In justification for cuts to public programs and the transfer of costs and risks from the state to individuals and families, the projections of social expenditures, in particular those based on ageing, are frequently identified as overgenerous and unsustainable in many G20 countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Claims based on intergenerational research methodologies and frameworks, a relatively new and innovative approach to using data projections, have proven to be important in these policy debates. This paper explores the application of these new technologies to understanding the impact of ageing on the economy in the globalised world of the 21st century.     

Gerontology in the developing Brazil: Achievements and challenges in public policies

Aim:   In the last three decades, the segment of population aged 60 years and older has more than doubled in Brazil. People aged 80 years and older are expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the near future. This aim of this study was to analyze the legal structures currently in place in Brazil and to provide a framework for care policies and practices towards older-adults.
Methods:   This article focuses on past and present major socioeconomic burdens on this segment of the Brazilian population as well as on public achievements to overcome inequities.
Results:   Both the public health and the social security systems have been directed to provide preferential assistance to the aged. Nonetheless, the elderly remain the most impoverished segment of Brazil and carry the burden of an overall lack of specialized services. Moreover, socioeconomic inequalities and population diversity in Brazil affects elderly care, adding complexity to this unique scenario.
Conclusion:   Brazil has adopted legal hallmarks that substantially shifted public practices towards the elderly segment from a philanthropic status to a legitimate right for care and assistance. The demographic transition that took place provides an opportunity for innovative solutions in public policies for older adults in a developing economic environment.     

Going home: aged return migration in the United States 1965-1970.

Two related issues concerning aged return migration are explored in this paper. They are: (1) the common features of states that strongly attract their migration-prone native sons and daughters, and (2) what might account for the differences, if any, in the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of return and non-return migrants. Individual characteristics of persons, age 60 and over, from the 1970 1-in-100 Public Use Sample of Basic Records were analyzed. A cluster of Sunbelt states, and Utah, strongly attract return migrants; otherwise they tend to be attracted by states which are popular destinations for aged migration in general. Using discriminant function analysis and tests for mean differences of migrant characteristics, it was found that return migrants tend to be negatively selected on socioeconomic characteristics relative to other interstate migrants. Comparisons of migrant characteristics in streams from New York and Ohio to Florida with counterstreams from Florida to New York and Ohio were consistent with a model of secondary post-retirement moves to state of birth when service and social support needs increase.     

Motivation to provide help to older parents in Norway, Spain, and Israel

We explore from a cross-national perspective three motivations in adult children to provide help to older parents: affectual solidarity, parental need for care, and filial norms. The sample is 1,055 adult children from Norway, Spain, and Israel, countries selected because they represent different family cultures and welfare regimes. Affectual solidarity and parental need for care was found to influence amount of help in all three countries, whereas filial norms was found to have no effect. Country context had a differential impact. In Israel, affectual solidarity was more strongly associated with amount of help. In Israel and Norway, parents' need for care was related to amount of help; in Spain help provided was high, regardless of parents' need for care. We demonstrate the universality of motivations to provide help to older parents and the influence of cultural context on these motivations, taking into account within-country differences.