Navigation of Elderly Migrants in Transnational Spaces: Strategies Used By Elderly Migrants to Benefit from Better Social Protection

The rise of transnationalism among elderly migrants reflects a growing trend of older individuals strategically moving across borders to maximize the benefits of social protection systems. This phenomenon is shaped by diverse factors, such as differing welfare systems, healthcare access, and economic opportunities in their countries of origin and destination. By employing transnational strategies, elderly individuals aim to enhance their quality of life, healthcare access, and financial security. The research focuses on how elderly migrants navigate these transnational spaces. The research question is how is transnationalism used as a strategy of living and benefit from social protection? The main aim is to explore how transnationalism is employed as a strategy by elderly migrants to take advantage of social protection systems across borders. Specifically. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative life course narratives and desk-based analysis of policy frameworks. Case studies are drawn from five countries: Albania, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey. Each case study focuses on specific typologies of elderly migrants and their transnational practices. Deskwork includes an analysis of local laws, bilateral agreements, and social protection policies relevant to elderly migrants in each country. The life course narratives provide personal insights into how these individuals navigate transnational spaces to maximize their access to healthcare, pensions, and social services. The study reveals diverse strategies among elderly migrants to benefit from transnational social protection system in Albania, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey. This research highlights how elderly migrants strategically use transnationalism to navigate different social protection systems, healthcare access, and economic opportunities. By comparing these strategies across Albania, Italy, Portugal, and Turkey, the study uncovers significant disparities between EU and non-EU citizens and identifies gaps in social protection policies. The findings emphasize the need for policymakers to address these disparities and enhance social protection frameworks for transnational elderly populations.