The Subjective Well-Being of Immigrants Aged 50 and Older in Israel

Abstract

The present study evaluated the integration of elderly people who migrated to Israel during their lifetimes. Subjective well-being, as measured by the immigrants’ perception of quality of life, satisfaction with life and emotional state, served as a general indicator of integration. The integration of elderly immigrants has not received adequate attention in the literature. A unique database (SHARE-Israel) that was recently released has made study of this topic possible. The current study sample was composed of former migrants aged 50 and older (n = 930). The analytic model examined ethnic origin and migration variables in relation to the respective subjective outcomes, controlling for sociodemographic background, human and social capital and health. The findings show that in general, ethnic origin seems to matter less for the evaluation of immigrants’ subjective well-being than other socio economic factors such as economic status, social capital and health status. However, recent arrivals from the Former Soviet Union do differ from all other immigrant groups in their lower levels of well-being. In addition, the study points to the importance of language proficiency as a central means for integration in the destination country.

Life satisfaction in the internet age – Changes in the past decade

“…It should be noted that internet users reported higher levels of life satisfaction, compared to non-users. The impact of income, religiosity, ethnicity, health problems and sociability corresponds with the research literature (Amit & Litwin, 2010;Bonini, 2008;Blanchflower & Oswald, 2008;Dolan et al, 2008;Helliwell, 2006;Helliwell & Putnam, 2004;Frey & Stutzer, 2002, 2010Frijters et al, 2011;Myers & Deiner, 1995). However, the negative impact of employment on life satisfaction contradicts the previous findings (Clark, 2003;Kassenboehmer & HaiskenDeNew, 2009;Winkelmann, 2009).…”

“…In other words, individuals who are healthier, nonimmigrants, married, employed, more religious, and have higher income and extensive social networks are more likely to report higher satisfaction with life (Amit & Litwin, 2010;Bonini, 2008;Blanchflower & Oswald, 2008;Dolan, Peasgood, & White, 2008;Easterlin, 2001;Frijters, Johnson & Shields, 2011;Helliwell, 2006;Helliwell & Putnam, 2004;Tom as, Sancho, Guti errez, & Galiana, 2014). However, the findings about the impact of education and age on life satisfaction are ambiguous.…”

In transit: The well-being of migrants from transition and post-transition countries

“…8 For a detailed summary of the literature, see Simpson (2014). First, some migrant groups are happier than others: in Israel, immigrants from Western Europe are happier than those from the former Soviet countries (Amit, 2010;Amit & Litwin, 2010). First generation immigrants are happier than their second-generation counterparts (Safi, 2010;Senik, 2011).…”

Um olhar sobre a prática desportiva, bem-estar subjetivo e integração social de imigrantes... em Portugal e no mundo

“…Mas, ela pode também ser vista como uma experiência subjetiva traduzida, por exemplo, nos níveis de bem--estar subjetivo, no sentimento de pertença (Amit, 2010;amit & litwin, 2010;Walseth, 2006).…”