Families, Ageing and Migration: Indian Communities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

Abstract

The migration of older people to join family members in other countries and “trans-national’ families are issues of growing significance. They have implications for policies on retirement incomes, care and support services, and cultural retention, as well as for family health and cohesion. The New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy supports the provision of culturally appropriate services to older people and the recognition of diversity within the older population. The Indian community in New Zealand is growing fast and becoming more diverse socio-economically and culturally. It is a significant element of the population and provides example of the interaction of families, ageing and migration. On the basis of interviews with representatives of Indian community organisations and family case studies, the research examines issues arising for older Indians and their families. Many of these also apply to older people in general, such as the need for social contact and opportunities for contribution and participation. Other issues, such as balancing co-residence and aspirations for independence, are more specific to the Indian community, but may apply also to other ethnic groups.