The diversity and welfare of older migrants in Europe

This paper sets the scene and provides a conceptual framework for the articles in this special issue. They present the findings of research on European residents who have reached or are on the threshold of old age and whose current circumstances have been strongly influenced by a migration across an international border. Such ‘older migrants’ are scattered throughout Europe and they have especially diverse characteristics. They include some of the most deprived and socially excluded, and some of the most affluent and accomplished, but all to a greater or lesser extent are disadvantaged through an interaction between social policies and their ‘otherness’ by living in a foreign country. Some claim attention through the severity of their unmet health and welfare needs and poor capacity to access advice and treatment, while the affluent groups are of great interest to social gerontology because of their enterprising, developmental and positive approaches to old age. They include among the most innovative of the latest generation of older people, who pursue new combinations of family responsibilities, leisure pursuits and income generation. The paper proposes that the concept ‘human capital’ summarises variations in preparedness for old age, that is, the resources by which people cope with demands for income, roles, treatment, care and support. A typology of the ‘welfare position’ of international migrants in contemporary Europe is presented

Environment and identity in later life: a cross-setting study

Objectives: The paper describes on-going empirical research on the significance of home and neighbourhood in supporting senses of identity as people age. Design: The study has involved both group discussions and individual interviews with older people living in a range of domestic and institutional environments, in three areas (city, town, and village). Methods: Initial discussions with ten groups of people (male, female, and mixed; ethnically selective and mixed) produced key issues for discussion with individuals. Individual interviews allowed the interviewer/interviewee to address these issues using a specific discussion ‘wheel’ designed for the study. Interviews also included biographical elements, geographic work, NEO inventory, and semi-structured questioning. Results: The paper will present the work at the analysis stage (fieldwork having been completed). Conclusions: The paper will present some methodological findings about the use of the group work to refine the interview schedules, and the use of a ‘open’ interview technique, in this case the ‘wheel’. It will also present initial findings from the analysis of both the group discussions and the interviews. These will include elements relating to: self-identity – in terms of embeddedness and the identification which a person has with their homespace; identity in relation to others – those living with you, around you, apart from you; the social environment which allows most people to locate themselves relative to other people; group identities – identifications with particular locales and neighbourhoods; being of a particular age, gender, culture

Is genuine choice a reality?

Book summary: where and how older people live can have a huge impact on their quality of life. Our Homes, Our Lives explores what housing choices are available as we grow older, and challenges some of the stereotypes that surround older people, which have in the past influenced housing and care policy. It aims to open up this debate and get those involved in shaping and providing services to take a fresh look at the issue, from the viewpoint of older people

Getting out and about

The chapter argues that getting out and about is a fundamental QoL issue. The authors consider the importance of neighbourhood, social contact, transport and security, combining the results of four studies to emphasise the range of material, social and psychological aspects of the environments of old age

A model of residential care Secondary analysis of data from 100 old people's homes; end of grant report

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:8318.1714F(ESRC-G--00/23/2019)fiche / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The business of care A study of private residential homes for old people

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Lending Division - LD:3123.7885(CESSA--1) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The pursuit of profit and care Patterns and processes in private residential homes for old people

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:3123.7882(CESSA-M--1) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo