International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on “Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing”

by Cristina Gagliardi and Giovanni Lamura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126337 - 11 Jun 2021

Viewed by 1901

Abstract

This Special Issue provides the readers of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health a multidimensional overview of recent developments in the field of socio-economic gerontological research [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

21 pages, 433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Participation of Senior Citizens in Policy-Making: Patterning Initiatives in Europe

by Roberto Falanga, Andreas Cebulla, Andrea Principi and Marco Socci

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010034 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5897

Abstract

Worldwide, active aging policy calls for greater participation of senior citizens in the social, economic, and political realms. Despite emerging evidence of initiatives engaging senior citizens in social activities, little is known about the use of participatory approaches in the design and/or implementation [...] Read more.

Worldwide, active aging policy calls for greater participation of senior citizens in the social, economic, and political realms. Despite emerging evidence of initiatives engaging senior citizens in social activities, little is known about the use of participatory approaches in the design and/or implementation of policies that matter to older citizens. This article identifies initiatives facilitating the civic participation of older people in policy-making in European Union member and associate states, drawing on a review of the literature, consultation of national policy experts, and exemplary case studies. Four main patterns of senior civic participation are identified: adopting consultative or co-decisional participatory approaches in policy design or policy implementation. The four are represented to varying degrees at different geographical levels (national, regional, local), with different actor configurations (appointed, elected/nominated, corporate representation), and with varying degree of institutionalization (temporary/permanent). Case studies illustrate approaches taken to enhance the quality and effectiveness of public services for senior citizens. Future research should strengthen this line of enquiry to cast further light on conditions facilitating the civic participation of senior citizens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

17 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Multilevel Partnerships and Policy Perspectives on Active Ageing in Italy: A National Plan of Action

by Francesco Barbabella, Eralba Cela, Claudia Di Matteo, Marco Socci, Giovanni Lamura, Pietro Checcucci and Andrea Principi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249585 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3248

Abstract

Active ageing (AA) policies aim to improve quality of life of older people by enabling better social participation and inclusion. Despite many international initiatives to promote AA undertaken in recent years, Italy did not systematically address this policy challenge until very recently. This [...] Read more.

Active ageing (AA) policies aim to improve quality of life of older people by enabling better social participation and inclusion. Despite many international initiatives to promote AA undertaken in recent years, Italy did not systematically address this policy challenge until very recently. This paper presents the first national Plan-of-Action (PoA) (2019–2022) adopted by this country for supporting policy design and recommendation in this field. The PoA aims to create a multilevel, co-managed coordination of AA policies, by involving a network of national and regional policy makers, experts, researchers and stakeholders in civil society. The ad-hoc consultation process established for this purpose helps the recognition of different interests and expectations on AA, fostering new solutions by involvement, consultation and joint discussion of policy options. The PoA is designed to cover the traditional policy cycle, including the stages of agenda setting, policy formulation, decision-making, implementation and monitoring. At the end of the period covered by the PoA, an Italian AA Strategy will be launched to achieve systematic impact in this field, thus ensuring a long-term, sustainable impact on national and regional policy makers, civil society and research community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

17 pages, 3174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Many Older Informal Caregivers Are There in Europe? Comparison of Estimates of Their Prevalence from Three European Surveys

by Aviad Tur-Sinai, Andrea Teti, Alexander Rommel, Valentina Hlebec and Giovanni Lamura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9531; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249531 - 19 Dec 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5372

Abstract

Informal caregivers are people providing some type of unpaid, ongoing assistance to a person with a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care measures and policies cannot take place without taking into account the quantitatively crucial role played by informal caregivers. We use the [...] Read more.

Informal caregivers are people providing some type of unpaid, ongoing assistance to a person with a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care measures and policies cannot take place without taking into account the quantitatively crucial role played by informal caregivers. We use the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS), and the Study on Health and Ageing in Europe (SHARE) to measure the prevalence of informal caregivers in the European population, and analyze associated socio-demographic factors. This rate ranges between about 13 percent in Portugal and Spain, and more than 22 percent in Luxembourg, Belgium, and Denmark. It declines in older age groups and, on average, is lower in men than in women in all countries studied, and lower among the poorly educated compared to those with higher levels of education. However, large variance was observed in the average share of informal caregivers for most countries between the three surveys. Our findings, estimated through the three surveys, reveal common trends, but also a series of disparities. Additional research will be needed to enable policy makers to access a richer and more harmonized body of data, allowing them to adopt truly evidence-based and targeted policies and interventions in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silence or Voice? Agency Freedom among Elderly Women Living in Extended Families in Urban India

by Ildikó Asztalos Morell, Santa De, Pravina Mahadalkar, Carl Johansson and Lena-Karin Gustafsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8779; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238779 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4234

Abstract

The preferential form of living for the elderly in India is within the extended family. India is undergoing rapid economic development, an increase in mobility, and changes in gender norms due to an increase in women’s labour force participation, which places challenges on [...] Read more.

The preferential form of living for the elderly in India is within the extended family. India is undergoing rapid economic development, an increase in mobility, and changes in gender norms due to an increase in women’s labour force participation, which places challenges on traditional intergenerational relationships. Ageing and the well-being of the elderly is a rising concern, especially considering that their proportion of the population is expected to grow rapidly in coming decades. There is a lack of universal state provision for the elderly’s basic needs, which is especially profound for elderly women, since most do not have an independent income. This leaves the elderly dependent upon the benevolence of their adult children’s families or other relatives. This paper explores, with help of narrative analysis and critical contributions from capability theory, elderly women’s agency freedoms and how this can be contextualised with their varying capability sets. With help of Spivak’s notion of the silent subaltern, the paper anchors elderly women’s abilities to voice to their agency freedom. The master narrative of the silent supportive wife and side-lined mother-in-law as well as three counter-narratives explore alternative agencies taken by elderly women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

12 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loneliness and Social Engagement in Older Adults Based in Lombardy during the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Long-Term Effects of a Course on Social Networking Sites Use

by Elena Rolandi, Roberta Vaccaro, Simona Abbondanza, Georgia Casanova, Laura Pettinato, Mauro Colombo and Antonio Guaita

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217912 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 8485

Abstract

Older adults are less familiar with communication technology, which became essential to maintain social contacts during the COVID-19 lockdown. The present study aimed at exploring how older adults, previously trained for Social Networking Sites (SNSs) use, experienced the lockdown period. In the first [...] Read more.

Older adults are less familiar with communication technology, which became essential to maintain social contacts during the COVID-19 lockdown. The present study aimed at exploring how older adults, previously trained for Social Networking Sites (SNSs) use, experienced the lockdown period. In the first two weeks of May 2020, telephone surveys were conducted with individuals aged 81–85 years and resident in Abbiategrasso (Milan), who previously participated in a study aimed at evaluating the impact of SNSs use on loneliness in old age (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04242628). We collected information on SNSs use, self-perceived loneliness, and social engagement with family and friends. Interviewed participants were stratified as trained (N = 60) and untrained (N = 70) for SNSs use, based on their attendance to group courses held the previous year as part of the main experimental study. The groups were comparable for sociodemographics and clinical features. Participants trained for SNSs use reported significantly higher usage of SNSs and reduced feeling of being left out. Compared to pre-lockdown levels, individuals trained for SNSs use showed a lighter reduction in social contacts. These findings support the utility of training older adults for SNSs use in order to improve their social inclusion, even in extreme conditions of self-isolation and perceived vulnerability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

12 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benefits for Older People Engaged in Environmental Volunteering and Socializing Activities in City Parks: Preliminary Results of a Program in Italy

by Cristina Gagliardi, Karl Pillemer, Elena Gambella, Flavia Piccinini and Paolo Fabbietti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113772 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5203

Abstract

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of an environmental volunteering program involving park restoration and social activities for older people. Older people face a series of challenges, ranging from social isolation and depression to a lack of exercise, [...] Read more.

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of an environmental volunteering program involving park restoration and social activities for older people. Older people face a series of challenges, ranging from social isolation and depression to a lack of exercise, as well as the difficult task of creating new meaning to deal with a decrease in vitality and new social relationships, interests, and commitments. From this perspective, this pilot study aimed to contribute to highlighting if or how these aspects can be positively correlated with organized activities associated with caring for public green spaces. A single-group, pre-test/post-test design was used, and baseline and post-participation measurements were recorded. The data were collected using a questionnaire aimed at evaluating variations in physical activity, positive and negative emotions, life satisfaction, and perceived social support. Through focus group interviews with participants at the baseline and after one year of participating in the program, the participants’ motivations and experienced effects were explored. The sample was composed of a group of 19 healthy people who joined the program. The quantitative results showed that the participants’ level of physical activity, subjective life satisfaction, and positive feelings were significantly increased at the follow-up. Positive correlations were found between increasing moderate physical activities, walking, and The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) positive feelings. A pro-environmental attitude of the elderly emerged from the qualitative data. The results, limitations, and improvements of the study are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

12 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distress Due to Urinary Problems and Psychosocial Correlates among Retired Men in Hong Kong

by Marcus Yu Lung Chiu, Ho Ting Wong and Xue Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072533 - 7 Apr 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

Urinary problems are common among aging men, but there is a paucity of research efforts to understand the psychosocial aspects of the illness. This study aims to understand how common and distressing urinary problems are for newly retired men in Hong Kong and [...] Read more.

Urinary problems are common among aging men, but there is a paucity of research efforts to understand the psychosocial aspects of the illness. This study aims to understand how common and distressing urinary problems are for newly retired men in Hong Kong and to test the associations between mental health, self-stigma of seeking help, fatigue, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and distress due to urinary problems. To assess this, 139 out of 200 members of a retired men’s social club (mean age 63.5) were successfully interviewed. Two-fifths of the participants felt distressed due to their urinary problems and one-third of the participants had been troubled by urinary incontinence or nocturia in the past six months. Yet the majority of the participants (55%) did not seek help from any medical profession. The group who were distressed by urinary problems showed significantly poorer mental health, reported more fatigue symptoms, were less satisfied with their sexual relationships and overall self-esteem, and were less able to stop unpleasant thoughts or to get social support than the non-distressed group. Cultural perceptions of masculinity and decreased sexual vigor might have affected participants’ willingness to seek help at an early stage. Targeted health education, mutual support groups, and sensitively designed services at the community level are suggested to address these physical and mental health issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

12 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fear of Falling among Older Patients Admitted to Hospital after Falls in Vietnam: Prevalence, Associated Factors and Correlation with Impaired Health-Related Quality of Life

by Long Hoang Nguyen, Giang Thu Vu, Giang Hai Ha, Cuong Tat Nguyen, Hai Minh Vu, Tien Quoc Nguyen, Tung Hoang Tran, Kiet Tuan Huy Pham, Carl A. Latkin, Bach Xuan Tran, Roger C.M. Ho and Cyrus S.H. Ho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072493 - 6 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4467

Abstract

Fear of falling (FOF) diminishes older people’s independence in daily activities, as well as causes serious health and economic consequences. This study examined the prevalence of FOF in older patients hospitalized due to fall-injuries, its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and [...] Read more.

Fear of falling (FOF) diminishes older people’s independence in daily activities, as well as causes serious health and economic consequences. This study examined the prevalence of FOF in older patients hospitalized due to fall-injuries, its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and its associated factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study in seven hospitals in Thai Binh, Vietnam. FOF was assessed using a single close-ended question. HRQOL was evaluated by the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Multilevel logistic regression and Tobit regression models were utilized. The prevalence of FOF in 405 older patients admitted to hospitals after fall injuries was 88.2%, with a mean EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS of 0.34 (SD = 0.38) and 61.6 (SD = 15.2), respectively. Factors associated with FOF included living alone (OR = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.04; 0.50.,), history of eye diseases (OR = 4.12; 95%CI = 1.91; 8.89), and experiencing psychological distress (OR= 3.56, 95% CI = 1.05; 12.00). After adjusting for confounders, the EQ-5D index in the FOF group reduced by 0.15 points (Coef. = −0.15; 95%CI= −0.24; −0.05) compared to that of non-FOF group. Our study shows that FOF had an independent negative relationship with HRQOL of patients. Improving knowledge about fall prevention in patients and caregivers could reduce the burden of falls in older people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

19 pages, 584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active Aging: Social Entrepreneuring in Local Communities of Five European Countries

by Marco Socci, David Clarke and Andrea Principi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072440 - 3 Apr 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3355

Abstract

Building on the active aging framework, the aim of this study, carried out between 2016 and 2018, is to analyze concrete experiences of older individuals acting as key players of social change in six local communities of five European countries (Bulgaria, Denmark, England, [...] Read more.

Building on the active aging framework, the aim of this study, carried out between 2016 and 2018, is to analyze concrete experiences of older individuals acting as key players of social change in six local communities of five European countries (Bulgaria, Denmark, England, France, Spain). The 19 seniors involved in the study, according to social contexts, individual past experiences, knowledge, and motivations, acted as senior social entrepreneurs, trying to build a pathway towards social solutions for unmet social problems they detected in local communities. Data were collected via templates and questionnaires and analyzed using the thematic analysis. The results highlighted that the 16 local initiatives created by seniors concerned social problems such as food waste, social isolation, multicultural integration, etc. The social solutions implemented by seniors seemed to have the potential to produce social value and, to different degrees, encouraging results and impact. Since this “social experiment” provided evidence that senior social entrepreneuring could be a driver to solve societal problems, policy makers should sustain the spread of both social entrepreneurial mindset and practices at the European level, for catalyzing the active potential of older people for the benefit of European local communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stronger Increases in Cognitive Functions among Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Older Adults in China: A Longitudinal Analysis with Multiple Birth Cohorts

by Fan Yang, Jiangling Cao, Dongfu Qian and Aixia Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072418 - 2 Apr 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2492

Abstract

Highly variable changes in cognitive functions occur as people get older, and socio-economically disadvantaged older adults are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline. This study aims to identify the longitudinal trend in cognitive functions among different socio-economic groups of older adults. The [...] Read more.

Highly variable changes in cognitive functions occur as people get older, and socio-economically disadvantaged older adults are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline. This study aims to identify the longitudinal trend in cognitive functions among different socio-economic groups of older adults. The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) followed up 32,323 individuals aged 65 years and older over a 12-year period. A series of mixed-effects models was used to explicitly assess cohort trend and its socio-economic disparity in the cognitive functions of older adults. Scores for significant increase in cognitive functions by birth cohort were smaller by 0.49, 0.28, and 0.64 among older adults with more educational experience, a lower household income, or economic dependence relative to their counterparts. Scores for differences in cognitive function between older adults with higher and lower incomes were smaller by 0.46 among those living in urban areas than among those living in rural areas. Although there were larger cohort growth trends in cognitive functions among older adults with lower educational attainment, lower household income, and who were economically dependent, effective public intervention targeting these socio-economically disadvantaged populations is still necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Innovation in Long-Term Care: Lessons from the Italian Case

by Georgia Casanova, Andrea Principi and Giovanni Lamura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072367 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3709

Abstract

The debate on policies addressing the challenges posed by population ageing pays increasing attention to sustainable and innovative ways to tackle the multidimensional impact this phenomenon has on society and individuals. Moving from the findings of two European research projects, a qualitative study [...] Read more.

The debate on policies addressing the challenges posed by population ageing pays increasing attention to sustainable and innovative ways to tackle the multidimensional impact this phenomenon has on society and individuals. Moving from the findings of two European research projects, a qualitative study based on a rapid review of the literature, expert interviews, focus groups and case studies analysis has been carried out in Italy. This study illustrates which social innovations have been recently implemented in this country’s long-term care (LTC) sector, and the areas in which further steps are urgently needed in the future. This takes place by first highlighting the existing links between social innovation and LTC, and then by identifying the key factors that can facilitate or hinder the implementation of these initiatives. Finally, the study suggests how to promote social innovation, by strengthening the “integration” and “coordination” of available services and resources, through a—for this country still relatively—new approach towards ageing, based on pillars such as prevention and education campaigns on how to promote well-being in older age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Employees’ Longer Working Lives in Europe: Drivers and Barriers in Companies

by Andrea Principi, Jürgen Bauknecht, Mirko Di Rosa and Marco Socci

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051658 - 4 Mar 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3404

Abstract

This paper identifies, within companies’ sectors of activity, predictors of Human Resource (HR) policies to extend working life (EWL) in light of increasing policy efforts at the European level to extend working life. Three types of EWL practices are investigated: the prevention of [...] Read more.

This paper identifies, within companies’ sectors of activity, predictors of Human Resource (HR) policies to extend working life (EWL) in light of increasing policy efforts at the European level to extend working life. Three types of EWL practices are investigated: the prevention of early retirement (i.e., encouraging employees to continue working until the legal retirement age); delay of retirement (i.e., encouraging employees to continue working beyond the legal retirement age); and, recruitment of employees who are already retired (i.e., unretirement). A sample of 4624 European organizations that was stratified by size and sector is analyzed in six countries. The main drivers for companies’ EWL practices are the implementation of measures for older workers to improve their performance, their working conditions, and to reduce costs. In industry, the qualities and skills of older workers could be more valued than in other sectors, while the adoption of EWL practices might be less affected by external economic and labor market factors in the public sector. Dutch and Italian employers may be less prone than others to extend working lives. These results underline the importance of raising employers’ awareness and increase their actions to extend employees’ working lives by adopting age management initiatives, especially in SMEs, and in the services and public sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

13 pages, 789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Work Environment on Presenteeism among Aging American Workers: The Moderated Mediating Effect of Sense of Control

by Tianan Yang, Hubin Shi, Yuangeng Guo, Xuan Jin, Yexin Liu, Yongchuang Gao and Jianwei Deng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010245 - 30 Dec 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3570

Abstract

With the rapid increase of aging workforces, companies worldwide are concerned with improving the health and working status of older workers. Sense of control is an important psychological variable in sociology but has attracted less attention in studies of occupational health and management. [...] Read more.

With the rapid increase of aging workforces, companies worldwide are concerned with improving the health and working status of older workers. Sense of control is an important psychological variable in sociology but has attracted less attention in studies of occupational health and management. This study examined the association of sense of control with presenteeism among aging workers in the United States. Data from the Health and Retirement Survey were analyzed, specifically, 2308 observations in 2012. Structural equation modeling was used to assess work environment, sense of control (measured in relation to personal mastery and perceived constraints), and associations with presenteeism. The moderating effect of subjective social status on the association between sense of control and presenteeism was examined with a moderated mediation model. In the final structural equation modeling model, work environment was directly inversely associated with presenteeism, and work environment was significantly inversely associated with perceived constraints. There was a direct positive association between work environment and personal mastery, a direct positive association between perceived constraints and presenteeism, and a significant inverse association between personal mastery and presenteeism. The significant indirect effects between work environment and presenteeism were significantly mediated by sense of control. Subjective social status inversely moderated the relation between presenteeism and perceived mastery, a dimension of sense of control. To increase the performance of aging workers in the United States, managers should create a work environment that facilitates access to job resources, as this might improve personal sense of control, particularly among those with high subjective social status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

33 pages, 1053 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Micro and Macro Level Factors on the Working and Living Conditions of Migrant Care Workers in Italy and Israel—A Scoping Review

by Oliver Fisher

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020420 - 7 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6043

Abstract

Background: The provision of home-based care for frail older adults in Italy and Israel is predominately provided by live-in migrant care workers (MCWs). However, despite the important role that they play in filling the demand for home care, MCWs often experience labor [...] Read more.

Background: The provision of home-based care for frail older adults in Italy and Israel is predominately provided by live-in migrant care workers (MCWs). However, despite the important role that they play in filling the demand for home care, MCWs often experience labor rights violations. This not only impacts the well-being of MCWs but also leads to lower-quality care being provided to people in need of support. Method: This scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework to map literature. This article aims to analyze the scope, main topics, themes and gaps in the existing academic literature on how micro and macro level indicators impact the working and living conditions of live-in MCWs in Italy and Israel. Scopus, Pubmed, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for peer-reviewed articles. Search terms were adapted from the Multilevel Framework of Transnational Care Migration (MFTCM). Themes were developed using Braun and Clarke’s method for conducting reflexive thematic analysis. Articles were included if they focused on Italy and/or Israel, included analysis on the working and living conditions of live-in MCWs at the macro and/or micro levels, were written in English, and were published between 2015 and 2020. Results: Out of the 1088 articles retrieved, 33 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 18 articles focused on Italy and 14 on Israel, and one focused on both Italy and Israel. The majority of articles in Italy (84 per cent) and Israel (53 per cent) included analysis on care regimes. Only 37 per cent of articles in Italy and 20 per cent in Israel included analysis on gender regimes. At the micro level, 80 per cent of articles in Israel discussed Power/Class Asymmetry, compared to 37 per cent in Italy. In total, six themes were developed. At the macro level, these themes included funding care work, MCWs as a pragmatic approach, care in the home, and valuing care work. At the micro level, the themes included being part of the family, and perceptions on class asymmetries. The findings presented in this review show that MCWs in both Italy and Israel face many of the same challenges in accessing decent work opportunities, despite contrasting employment and migration policies in each country. This can be partially attributed to the undervaluing of care work because of racialized and gendered notions of care. At the macro level, this has contributed to a lack of political will to develop long-term sustainable solutions to create or monitor decent work standards for MCWs. At the micro level, this has led to power imbalances between MCWs and people in need of care and their family members, resulting in MCWs being expected to work hours beyond those contractually allowed, having little to no time off, and experiencing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Conclusion: This study provides a review of the most recent contributions to the fields of labor migration and health concerning the MCW markets in Italy and Israel. While there have been many studies in each country that detail the labor rights violations experienced by MCWs, this is the first review that develops themes around the underlying causes of these violations. By thematically analyzing the findings of recent studies and current gaps in existing knowledge, this scoping review assists in building the groundwork for the development and implementation of policy, strategies, practice and research to improve the rights and migration experiences of MCWs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Socio-Economic Research on Ageing

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI