How Immigration and Education Affect Health as You Age in Europe

In recent times, Europe has seen a shift in its population due to immigration, sparking curiosity about how this affects aging. This study compares the health decline over time between immigrants and native Europeans aged 50 and above. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) collected between 2004 and 2020, the research focuses on three health measures: activity limitations, self-perceived health, and chronic conditions.

They found that immigrants, especially those with less education, face bigger health gaps compared to native-born individuals. The difference is most notable in activity limitations and how people perceive their own health. For chronic conditions, the gap isn't as wide. These findings suggest that social services and support should be shaped to address these health disparities. Promoting equal opportunities could also help bridge these gaps.

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