‘Ageing out of place’: Experiences of resettlement and belonging among older Bhutanese refugees in New Zealand

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that older refugees are particularly vulnerable to the stresses of resettlement in developed countries. However, to date the voices of older refugees have largely been missing from the body of refugee resettlement research. Using in‐depth interviews and thematic analysis, this paper explores the personal resettlement experiences of three former refugee elders from the Bhutanese community in Palmerston North. The findings suggest that culture, religion and social connections are of vital importance to the well‐being of these Bhutanese elders and their ability to foster a sense of self and place in a foreign land.

Exploring Social Determinants of Mental Health of Older Unforced Migrants: A Systematic Review

“…Notably, the degree of linguistic, cultural, and adaptation barriers may vary depending on the context, age, and gender of the migrant. Older migrants face unique challenges in learning a new language due to age-related cognitive impairments and declining adaptive capacity ( Caidi et al, 2020 ; Slade & Borovnik, 2018 ). Attending language classes may also be challenging for family reunification migrants due to limited time, as they may be burdened with caregiving duties, leading to further feelings of loneliness ( Treas & Majumdar, 2002 ).…”

“…Difficulties associated with cognitive impairment, frailty, morbidity, social isolation, and dependency add to their adaptation challenges ( WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2018 ). Aging also results in decreased adaptive capacities ( Slade & Borovnik, 2018 ), making it more challenging for older adults to learn a new language, and navigate new cultures, places, or environments.…”

Are Factors Associated with Adult Refugees’ Settlement different from Well-Being? A Longitudinal Study focusing on Gender and Age in Australia

“…Curry et al (2018) and Smith et al (2020) focused on refugee resettlement in regional Australia. Slade and Borovnik (2018) focussed on older Bhutanese refugees in New Zealand while Lamba and Krahn (2003) and Guo and Guo (2017) examined resettlement of refugees in Canada.…”

Adult day support and community resilience: an analysis of the experiences of ageing Cambodian Canadians

“…Scholars have largely focused on the experiences and needs of newer and younger refugees and of refugee women and families (Das 2007;Hugman et al 2004;Weine 2011;Westermeyer 2011), as well as on the perspectives of service providers in the fields of health, employment and education (Van Selm 2014). However, more information is still needed on the experiences of ageing Cambodian Canadians, the longterm outcomes of their resettlement and their engagement with community agencies that support them in later-life (Cook 2010;Das et al 2013;Guo 2006;Marshall et al 2005;Slade and Borovnik 2018). Moreover, a review of refugees' later-life experiences decades after their initial resettlement can aid in understanding the patterns and processes inherent in their everyday (Das et al 2013).…”