Older Migrants in Germany

A substantial part of the older population in Germany already has a so-called migration background, but clearly in the next years and decades the rate will increase. Thus, the crucial questions are as follows: How are the older migrants in Germany faring? How are their living situations? What differences exist between migrants and native Germans as well as between members of different migrant groups and different migrant generations? This paper starts with a short overview about the migration history from and to Germany since 1950 and the most important facts of the socio-demographic characteristics of older migrants in Germany. After that, some theoretical considerations about the relation of migration and aging are drawn. Finally, the living situations of older migrants in regard to 1) employment and economic situation, 2) regional distribution and accommodation, 3) marital status, household structure, and intergenerational family relations, as well as 4) health and subjective well-being are examined. The paper ends with a short summary and a reflection on the need for further research.