Older migrants and their families in Australia

The author discusses the family experiences of older migrants - both those who came as young migrants and now have grown old, and those who came during their old age to join their adult children in Australia. While acknowledging that the aging experience of many older migrants and their families can be a positive one, the paper particularly focuses on some of the difficulties that may arise. Discussion includes the clash of cultures; family dynamics; the changing role of women; language and communication; mental health issues; and caring for the aged. The author notes that valuable support for the well-being of older migrants is to be found in the size of the ethnic community to which they belong - as the community becomes larger and better established, it provides a wider social milieu and can provide support services for its older members. A policy implication arises from this observation, the author suggests - newer groups may require some services funded by the wider society until their own community is able to handle the task