Migration background and loneliness among middle-aged and older adults in Germany

Background. Currently, there is limited knowledge about the association between a migration background and loneliness among middle-aged and older individuals in Germany. The aim was therefore to examine the association between migration background and loneliness in this group. Methods. Data were taken from the German Ageing Survey (Wave 7, November 2020 to March 2021), a representative sample of middle-aged and older individuals. The sample comprised 4145 individuals, and the mean age was 63.8 years. Of the respondents, 93.2% had no migration background, approximately 5.9% had a migration background with personal migration experience, and 0.9% had a migration background but no personal migration experience. The De Jong Gierveld tool was used to quantify loneliness. Results. Multiple linear regressions showed that individuals with a migration background and their own migration experience have significantly higher levels of loneliness (beta = 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004 to 0.30, p < 0.05) compared to individuals without a migration background, whereas individuals with a migration background without their own migration experience have significantly lower levels of loneliness (beta = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.02 p < 0.05). Conclusions. Individuals with a migration background and their own migration experience appear to represent a risk group for high loneliness among middle-aged and older adults in Germany. In this respect, this group should be given special consideration in corresponding measures. Against the background of current (and potential future) migration movements, the results are of great importance as these groups in particular could be affected by loneliness.