The impact of adult children’s migration on wellbeing in later life: voices from Moldova

Abstract

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 Moldova has experienced significant levels of migration, both internally, from rural areas to the cities, and also internationally. Today is estimated that around 600,000 Moldavians out of a total population of 4.3 million are earning a living outside the country. Thus around one in seven of the population are living abroad. Migration can be a challenging experience for migrants but it can also have repercussions for non migrants, especially the family members who are left behind. This paper presents the views of older people with regard to the benefits, or otherwise, of migration. Data from a series of focus group discussions and in depth interviews conducted in Moldova during the period November 2008 to March 2009 highlight that older people view recent trends in migration as a mixed blessing. On the one hand many older people recognise migration as inevitable - the result of low pay and high unemployment in Moldova - and see it as the only way for their children and grandchildren to improve their lives. Moreover they recognise the benefits of remittances, although highlight that these are not always reliable. On the other hand, the migration of adult children is perceived to be accompanied by high costs in terms of emotional loss, isolation and lack of physical care; as well as increased responsibility for grandchildren - practically, emotionally and financially. In many cases, these losses appear to outweigh the gains.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Jane Falkingham: orcid.org/0000-0002-7135-5875

ORCID for Maria Evandrou: orcid.org/0000-0002-2115-9358

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