Migration Refugeeness and Old Age: Intergenerationality and Social Support as Factors of Cultural Adaptation

Abstract

Migration and refugeehood are defining social phenomena that particularly affect vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Older refugees and migrants often encounter multiple challenges, including unfamiliar language, social isolation, loss of cultural identity, and barriers to accessing healthcare. This study examined the role of intergenerationality and social support in the cultural adaptation of elderly refugees and migrants in Greece. Drawing on international and national studies, it highlights the importance of family relationships and community networks in promoting psychological resilience and a sense of belonging. The sample consisted of 100 older adults with refugee or migrant backgrounds (aged 60–84), 53% women and 47% men, with an average stay of five years. The Cultural Adjustment, MSPSS, and WHOQOL-OLD scales were applied, demonstrating high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.831–0.883). Normality tests showed that cultural adaptation and social support did not follow a normal distribution (p < .01), whereas quality of life was normally distributed (p = .883). Spearman’s correlations indicated no significant relationships between social support and either cultural adaptation (rₛ(98) = –.10, p = .307) or quality of life (rₛ(98) = –.07, p = .480). No differences in cultural adaptation were found between low, moderate, and high social support groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that quality of life was a strong and significant predictor of cultural adaptation (β = .742, p < .001), while social support was not (β = –.049, p = .472). These findings emphasize the importance of improving living conditions and social participation for elderly refugees and migrants, suggesting that enhancing quality of life is key to successful cultural adaptation and inclusive social work practice.