Establishment of a European Research Network on the topic of the "Active Ageing of Migrant Elders across Europe"

Background

Focus and theoretical approach

General goals

Products

Participants

Background

In Europe, the numbers of migrant elders are constantly increasing. Compared to the indigenous populations, the average age of migrants is considerably lower. Even though there is hardly any European-wide data on the composition and demographic structure of migrant elders in Europe due to statistical differences and deficiencies it is evident, that their numbers and shares will rise significantly in the future. Therefore the topic "Ageing and Migration" is starting to be spotlighted by various national and supranational integration efforts.

The group of migrant elders is very heterogeneous within the different European states and on the European level. A preliminary classification of migrant elders in Europe can be made as follows:

1. Migrant elders in the context of colonial migration;
2. Migrant elders in the context of labour migration;
3. Elders from national minorities that are more regionally concentrated and have been established for many generations, as well as so-called (late) repatriates;
4. Newer forms of (short and sometimes long term) migration, such as retirement and / or amenity migration (for instance, German or British elder migrants in Spain), older employees and long-term visitors;
5. Older or aged refugees (for instance that of Jewish faith) and
6. Elders in the context of illegal and irregular migration.

European research on migration is characterised by a lack of comparative research, a lack of co-operation between different scientific disciplines and a lack of integration of the different levels at which phenomena are studied.

Despite growing numbers, migrant elders do at present not have important relevance for the political decision-making processes at the European level. Hitherto existing discussions focus on social and health related questions as being challenges to societies. Up to now, European documents focussing on the situation of older people or on integration of migrants hardly mention the group of migrant elders or regard them as a special group of interest or action.

Focus and theoretical approach

By establishing a European research network on the topic of the "Active Ageing of Migrant Elders across Europe" a change of paradigm is intended to be effected. The focus of the interdisciplinary and practice- as well as application-oriented research will first and foremost lie upon the competencies and potentials inherent in the process of the ageing of immigrated population groups in different European countries. The European research network does not intend to deny social and economic problems but tries to raise awareness of the potentials of migrant elders. Strategies should be developed concerning the enforcement and use of these potentials and competencies. By doing so, the heterogeneity of the group and gender issues will be explicitly considered.

The concept of active ageing, which is applied by the World Health Organization (WHO), will form the basis of the network's theoretical approach. This approach is holistic and applies to both individuals and population groups. According to the WHO active ageing "allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well being throughout the life course and to participate in society according to their needs, desires and capacities, while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they require assistance". "Active" in this context "refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force". (WHO: Active Ageing, A Policy Framework, New York, 2002.)

Special focus will lie on the political, social, cultural and economic participation and integration of migrant elders (a cross sectional topic of active ageing).

General goals

By establishing a European research network with focus on the topic "Active Ageing of Migrant Elders across Europe", the following aims are persued:

Scientific / academic level

• Exchange of research results and identification of research gaps;
• Performance of comparative, inter-disciplinary, practice- and application-oriented research in the field of the "Active Ageing of Migrant Elders" in Europe;
• Development of joint (research) projects, for instance, within the scope of concrete research programmes of the European Union;
• Performance of concomitant research and evaluation of practice-oriented projects;
• Co-operation with other existing academic networks in the field of migration research.

Practical level

• Set up of exemplary cooperation projects with welfare associations, housing associations and local authorities in particular regions;
• Implementation of research results;
• Identification and exchange of good practice and development of criteria for success;
• Installation of a Europe-wide expert pool on the topic of migrant elders.

Political level

• Political consulting and consulting decision makers in different fields and on local, regional, national as well as EU-level;
• Sensitising relevant key players across different political, economic, social, welfare and voluntary levels concerning the potentials of migrant elders.

Products

The duration of the European research network "Active Ageing of Migrant Elders across Europe" will initially be geared at five years (2008 - 2012). From the end of 2009 on - after the AAMEE project has terminated - the network shall be maintained and work within independent structures.

Annually, specific key aspects of research (e.g. social and political participation, income and housing situation of migrant elders across Europe) will be defined and specific products will reflect these key aspects.

The research network will achieve the following concerted outcomes (this list indicates outcomes which can be achieved if the network gets sufficient funding):

• An annual conference which is meant to provide a basis for the transfer of research results into policy and practice;
• Publication of a journal "Active Ageing of Migrant Elders across Europe" (two editions per year; spring and autumn);
• Publications in international journals;
• Website;
• Project proposals;
• Edition of an in-house publication series (irregularly);
• Awarding a prize for junior scientists (every winter);
• Publication of a newsletter (approximately four editions per year);
• Initiation of (country-specific) campaigns that call attention to the life achievements and potentials of migrant elders and are addressed to policy and decision makers;
• Smaller topic-oriented activities such as workshops (e.g. concerning health or social participation) that will also help to prepare the next annual conference;
• Adoption of guidelines / checklists / standards for the implementation of recommendations for policy and practice;
• Development of strategies and modules which provide qualifications for decision makers.

Participants

Members of the network should represent as many European member states and their neighbouring states as possible. The countries of origin of migrant elders will find explicit consideration.

Initially it is aspired to reach researchers from about 15 European countries. A further expansion will gradually take place during the lifespan of the network. For reasons of manageability and lucidity the maximum number of researcher should not exceed 20 to 25 persons. For some topics, particular researchers can be associated.

Scientists should represent different academic, practice-oriented and private institutions and should possess appropriate experiences regarding the topic of active ageing of migrant elders. Basic conditions for their admission comprise good competence in the English language, a minimum number of relevant publications and team experiences.