Social Vulnerability Facing Older Persons Involved in Internal Migration During the Pandemic

Abstract

The vulnerabilities of elderly persons have been receiving attention around the world in recent times especially those who are involved in migration and endured the Covid-19 lockdown. The migratory process of the elderly persons is a complex phenomenon and requires emphasis on a different perception of age-related migration cause, consequences, and pattern.  There is limited research that fully assess the vulnerabilities facing migrated elderly persons especially against the backdrop of the pandemic.  This study focuses on the Sarawak elderly persons who migrated to Johor following their children and relatives. FGDs was conducted with NGO stakeholders related to Sarawakian community and subsequently pilot in-depth interviews were conducted with 3 older in-migrant persons residing in the District of Pasir Gudang, Johor. Thematic analysis was performed on the FGDs and pilot in-depth interview data. The key findings revealed that loneliness, financial dependence, language barrier and healthcare issues are among the major concerns; and they came up with various coping strategies to manage these challenges. The study also revealed interesting challenges brought about by the restrictions during the Covid-19 lockdown.