From “Guest Worker” to “Elderly Immigrant” Problems of Aging Migrants in Europe: The Example of France

European countries started accepting mass numbers of migrant workers in the 1950s and 1960s with bilateral agreements to address labor shortages in Europe. Initially, migrant “guest workers” were perceived favorably for their contribution to the workforce. However, once migrants ceased working and grew older and more settled in their host countries, they were seen as “problems” due to the cost of social and health care services. In this study, we aim to examine the problems of elderly immigrants in France. The elderly immigrant population of 21.8% in France is above the European average of 14.8%. Older migrants face many problems stemming from structural and individual factors. These problems are examined in terms of belonging, socioeconomic status, health, access to care services and inequalities in health outcomes. These problems result in the economic and social isolation of immigrants from society. Exposure of migrant workers to challenging work conditions throughout their working lives contributes to deterioration of their health at an early age and poor health outcomes. Yet they are disadvantaged in accessing health care and social services. The highlight of the study is that these problems should be dealt with using a holistic perspective. In conclusion, we call for their full integration in the French social contract through policy changes. In this context, the necessary regulations for the elderly migrants to live in harmony with the society are mentioned