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Democratization of ageing: also a reality for elderly immigrants?
- Author:
- BOLZMAN Claudio
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 15(1), 2012, pp.97-113.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Various papers published in Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe have highlighted an improvement in the living conditions of people reaching retirement age. The aim of this paper is to examine whether this general trend to old age democratisation applies also to elderly immigrants. Specifically, it explores the socioeconomic and health situation of the older immigrant population in Switzerland, as well as their access to social security and to social services for elderly people. It reports selected findings from 2 original surveys carried in Switzerland in the 1990s (Pre-Retired Immigrants study, PRI) and the 2000s (Minority Elderly Care study, MEC) on older Italian, Spanish and former Yugoslavians citizens who are residents in the country. The findings show that elderly immigrants are overrepresented among the poor and the sick. Officially, most foreign elders have the same right to social security as Swiss elders. However, because of their shorter residence in Switzerland and lower wages, their pensions and occupational benefits are lower. Moreover, they are not always entitled to supplementary benefits because they have not resided long enough in Switzerland. Even when they are entitled to them, they may be hesitant to ask for fear of losing their residence permit.