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Older migrants' experience of existential loneliness
Jonas Olofsson1, Margareta Rämgård1, Katarina Sjögren-Forss1
1Malmö University, Sweden.
Nursing Ethics
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Older migrants may experience profound existential loneliness, stemming from life choices, reconciliation, and end-of-life reflections in a foreign land. This long-term process highlights the need for sensitive care for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Global ageing populations increase loneliness among older adults.
- Older migrants are a vulnerable group facing unique challenges.
- Existential loneliness, or ultimate loneliness, is poorly understood in older migrants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experience of existential loneliness in older migrants.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study design.
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 older migrants (aged >65).
- Thematic analysis of interview data.
Main Results:
- Three key themes emerged: life choices, seeking life reconciliation, and contemplating death in a foreign country.
- Existential loneliness is a significant, long-term consequence of migration.
- Challenges in communication and emotional expression can exacerbate loneliness.
Conclusions:
- Understanding older migrants' life stories is crucial for addressing existential loneliness.
- Ethical considerations in care are paramount for this population.
- Migration, initially a pursuit of a meaningful life, can lead to existential loneliness.
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