LDERLY IMMIGRANTS IN SWITZERLAND: EXPLORING THEIR SOCIAL AND HEALTH SITUATION

Authors

  • Claudio BOLZMAN Professor, Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale (HES-SO), Génève, tel. : +41 22 388 94 51
  • Raffaella PONCIONI-DERIGO Senior Lecturer, Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale (HES-SO), Génève
  • Marie VIAL Senior Researcher, Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale (HES-SO), Génève

Keywords:

immigrants, elderly, socio-demographic profile, health, social and health

Abstract

This paper explores: the socio-economic and health situation of older immigrants in Switzerland. It is based in a study entitled "Minority Elderly Care in Switzerland" (MEC) that was conducted in the context of the 5th Framework Program of the European Union between 2003 and 2004. The study was grounded on a questionnaire survey of a quota sample of 290 Spaniards, Italians and former Yugoslavs aged 55 and over in Basel and Geneva. The aim was to inquire about the life conditions of elderly immigrants. In particular we have explored their income, their housing and their health situation. Important information about their resources as well as about their difficulties are collected, and allow us to detect their specific needs and potential demands to social and health services. It is a contribution to more systematic empirical studies about these issues.

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