Abstract
The aging process encompasses dynamics extending beyond biological impacts of time. From a life course perspective, it includes social structure, historical context, biography, and agency. Recently, attention has focused on the relationship between aging and mobility, particularly in Northern Europe, with limited discussion on Southern European individuals experiencing mobility later in life. This paper explores how mobility shapes new identities and cultural paths in aging by investigating Italian retirees’ migration preferences and motivations. The study aims to comprehend how mobility redefines or shapes new meanings of aging outside one’s home country, also reflecting on transcultural aging models. The qualitative methodology employed involved semi-structured interviews with retirees who migrated to other countries (both within and outside the EU). Preliminary findings from 70 interviews conducted in four countries (Albania, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia) illustrate how migration challenges traditional social definitions of age and life stages. Analysis reveals that migration represents an aging experience for elderly Italians seeking a better lifestyle (lifestyle migration). In addition, the search for a better quality of life appears to be linked to other benefits, including the tax benefits for pensions that these countries offer. Nonetheless, differences between experiences in each country, including real estate markets and cultural and linguistic disparities, present challenges for aging individuals. Understanding these complexities sheds light on the nuanced relationship between aging, mobility, and cultural dimensions, particularly for Southern European retirees embarking on late-life migrations.
Presenters
Susi Anny Veloso ResendePost-doc, Department of Sociology and Business Law, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy Alice Lomonaco
Junior Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Business Law, University of Bologna, BO, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
RETIREMENT MOBILITY, TRANSCULTURAL AGING MODELS, ITALIAN MIGRATION,LIFE-COURSE
