Comparing the Health Status of Immigrant and New Zealand-Born Older Adults in Aotearoa New Zealand: The Role of Socioeconomic Position

Abstract

Objectives: The study investigated the health status of older migrants relative to their New Zealand-born peers. We adopted a holistic view of health (physical, mental, and social) and a structural approach to health disparities based on migrant status and socioeconomic position. Methods: Using case–control matching based on age, gender, and education, the health status of 357 older migrants and 357 New Zealand-born older adults was compared. Results: Older migrants reported significantly poorer social health. Health inequities were patterned by socioeconomic status. Working class older migrants had significantly poorer physical, mental, and social health than their New Zealand-born peers. Inequities in social wellbeing persisted even at the upper end of the social gradient. Discussion: Migrant background is an important social determinant of health in older age. The reduced social wellbeing of economically advantaged migrants highlights vulnerabilities regardless of socioeconomic position and the need for targeted social policies.