Search

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the health level and health dynamics of migrants from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), broadly defined, in Germany. Population health in CEE compares badly to Germany. Lifestyle changes and access to better health care in Germany can lead to health improvement of migrants.Design/methodology/approach Longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel are used. First, the time trends of immigrant and native health are analysed graphically. Second, regression analysis is conducted, controlling for demographic and socio-economic factors when estimating the country of origin effects on health. Finally, regression models are estimated to investigate if social and economic integration significantly improves the subjective well-being of the immigrant groups.Findings Evidence is found for significantly better subjective health of migrants compared to the natives, even if demographic and socio-economic factors are controlled for. Only part of the health advantage is explained by selective migration. The health of the more advantaged migrants tend to decline slower than of the natives.Social implications If migrants are economically and socially integrated in the host country then their presence is unlikely to increase the health burdens of the host country.Originality/value The existing knowledge on the health developments of migrants from CEE in other European countries is limited. Based on richer statistical information, the results of this paper partly contradict earlier findings in the literature, in particular no evidence is seen for worse or quickly declining health of immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline learning and good practice across Europe on the deployment of asset based approaches for promoting active ageing and intergenerational solidarity. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on a wide ranging review of good practice across Europe distilled from desktop analysis and two European roundtable sessions with key stakeholders. Findings – The paper analyses the current level of volunteering by older people across Europe and the evidence for its benefits to the health and wellbeing of older people. It then goes on to provide analysis and good practice regarding area and individual based asset approaches, as well those relevant to addressing the social exclusion faced by people with dementia. Practical implications – The analysis and good practice examples in the report provide resources for developing effective asset based approaches to promoting active ageing and intergenerational solidarity. Originality/value – The review of European experience is particularly original. There has been little if any European review of asset based approaches to active ageing and intergenerational solidarity. Learning from practice elsewhere enables more confident initiatives to be taken up and developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]