Ageing well in a foreign land as a process of successful social identity change

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Over and above the risks associated with ageing, older migrants are also at risk of social isolation. The social identity approach, and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) in particular, provides a theoretical basis from which to understand the factors contributing to social isolation and how this then impacts on older migrants’ capacity to age well in a foreign land. Building on the recognition that migration involves a major life change, we explore this transition qualitatively focusing specifically on social connectedness and adjustment.

Methods: In semi-structured interviews with 29 older migrants in Australia, we examined participants’ experiences of migration and perceptions of identity and identity change. We also considered in more detail experiences of the most and least socially isolated individuals to understand adjustment trajectories.

Results: We found evidence supporting the key processes described in SIMIC (relating to social identity continuity, social identity gain, and perceived identity compatibility), suggesting that where adjustment was positive it was experienced as a process of successfully adapting to identity change.

Conclusion: We emphasise the importance of identity resources as substantial and concrete assets that can enhance the well-being among older adults aging in a foreign land.

KEYWORDS:

• Healthy ageing
• social identity change
• migration
• adaptation
• migration experiences

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Project funding scheme (LP160100374);Australian Research Council [LP160100374].

Notes on contributors

Jolanda Jetten

Jolanda Jetten is a Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Queensland with an interest in social identity change, health and well-being. 

Sharon Dane

Sharon Dane (PhD) is employed as a research assistant on the Australian Research Council's Linkage Project funding this research.

Elyse Williams

Elyse Williams is a PhD student in Social Psychology at the University of Queensland conducting research on the well-being effects of choir singing. 

Shuang Liu

Shuang Liu is an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland with expertise in immigration, culture, multiculturalism and assimilation.

Catherine Haslam

Catherine Haslam is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland with an interest in social identity, aging and health.

Cindy Gallois

Cindy Gallois is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Queensland focusing on culture and communication. 

Vivienne McDonald

Vivienne McDonald is the CEO of the partner organization for this research, Diversicare-ECCQ.