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. 2025 Apr 9;65(5):gnaf034.
doi: 10.1093/geront/gnaf034.

What Is the State of the Literature About Refugees Aged 45 and Older From Burma in Third-Country Resettlement Contexts? A Scoping Review

Katherine Kitchens  1 , Benjamin J Sesay  2 , Noelle L Fields  2 , Mary Kris Stringfellow  1 , Diane B Mitschke  2
Affiliations

What Is the State of the Literature About Refugees Aged 45 and Older From Burma in Third-Country Resettlement Contexts? A Scoping Review

Katherine Kitchens et al. Gerontologist. .

Abstract

Background and objective: Older adult refugees from Burma face unique challenges in third-country resettlement, yet their experiences are often overlooked in research and policy. This scoping review aims to examine the literature on refugees aged 45 and older from Burma in third-country resettlement contexts, identify factors contributing to successful integration, and elucidate the unique challenges they encounter.

Research design and methods: We systematically searched 7 databases using Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Studies were selected if they included refugees from Burma aged 45 and older in third-country resettlement contexts. Data were analyzed using Ager and Strang's conceptual framework of refugee integration.

Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings highlighted disparities in health outcomes based on preresettlement environments, the interplay between chronic health issues and employment challenges, the importance of family bonds and institutional support, language proficiency barriers, and the impact of citizenship on self-perception. Instances of resilience and post-traumatic growth were noted, alongside lower reported well-being among older refugees compared to younger counterparts.

Discussion and implications: The review revealed complex interactions among health, employment, social connections, language proficiency, safety, and citizenship in the integration experiences of older refugees from Burma. Findings underscore the need for integrated support systems addressing health and employment, flexible family reunification policies, tailored language acquisition programs, and clear pathways to citizenship. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, specific employment support strategies, and the long-term impacts of institutional support on integration.

Keywords: Burma; Older adults; Refugee resettlement; Successful integration.

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