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Making themselves at home: Support needs of older G ermans in A ustralia
Author(s) -
Polacsek Meg,
Angus Jocelyn
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12263
Subject(s) - german , older people , qualitative research , focus group , gerontology , language barrier , psychology , aged care , obstacle , content analysis , sociology , medicine , political science , linguistics , social science , philosophy , anthropology , law
Aim This paper explores the experiences of older G erman A ustralians, with a focus on their support needs and preferences in later life. Methods Data were collected through qualitative semi‐structured interviews. Data analysis incorporated a systematic concept matrix approach to content analysis. Results The findings of the study indicate that older G erman A ustralians have adapted well to the A ustralian way of life. Their high E nglish language proficiency allowed them to source services without the barrier of language often reported in studies of older migrants. They did not show high interest in ethno‐specific services. Conclusion Few studies have been conducted on older G erman A ustralians, and none focuses specifically on their experience of ageing in A ustralia. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on older migrants and, specifically, on those for whom language is not necessarily a major obstacle to obtaining aged care information or services.