Older Migrants’ Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Abstract. The paper focuses on the life satisfaction of older migrants. We inquire what lies behind their life satisfaction and what role satisfaction with the migration decision plays in their general life satisfaction. The paper draws on 56 in-depth interviews with older Italians and Germans living in Switzerland. Research participants were generally satisfied with their migration decision. Sources of life satisfaction were family, social relations, professional career, and financial stability. The same themes emerged in discussions of their satisfaction with the migration decision and overall life satisfaction, revealing that migration is a means to achieving life goals. Yet, respondents did not explicitly refer to migration when reflecting on their life satisfaction.