Social Exclusion: A Lens for Understanding Aging in the Context of Migration


Grenier, A., & Hanley, J. (2024, septembre)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Intersections of Aging and Immigration: The Promise and Paradox of a Better Life

Migration is a relatively recent consideration in social gerontology, and migration studies often overlook aging (Torres, 2012). Despite the important presence of im/migrants[1] across the country (StatsCan, 2017), relatively few studies have focused on aging and migration. Existing literature finds that older im/migrants experience health disparities (Gee et al. 2004; Kobayashi & Prus, 2012), structural racism and institutional discrimination (Ferrer et al. 2017; Sahraoui, 2020), and barriers in accessing care (Arora et al. 2018; Ciobanu & Hunter, 2017). Im/migrants also have higher rates of insecure employment and poverty than the Canadian-born population. It is safe to assume that this trend persists or even becomes more pronounced among aging im/migrants (Grenier, Phillipson, & Settersten, 2020). Aging is structured and experienced differently, and unequally, at the intersections of migration and aging. Discrepancies correspond with policy structures and institutional practices related to income, health, housing, and care.

Members and SHERPA Teams

Jill Hanley

Jill Hanley

Scientific Director, SHERPA University Institute; Full Professor, School of Social Work, McGill University