Acculturation and self-management abilities of well-being among older Moroccans in the Netherlands

Abstract Background Migration involves a variety of stressors. Their accumulation over time may negatively impact migrants’ well-being. The extent that older migrants can integrate into a host society may determine their readiness to adopt behaviors such as self-management of well-being. Research regarding this relation among older Moroccans, one of the largest migrant groups in the Netherlands, has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acculturation and self-management abilities of well-being among older Moroccans and to examine differences in subgroups. Methods This cross-sectional study included 290 older Moroccans (≥ 65) living in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Linear regression was applied to explore associations between acculturation (attachment to Moroccan and Dutch cultures) and self-management abilities of well-being. Independent samples t-tests were used to test differences between subgroups. Results Older Moroccans who received low education were found to be less attached to the Dutch culture [3.24 (0.72) vs. 3.54 (0.73); p = 0.016]. They were also poorer self-managers of their well-being [2.60 (0.59) vs. 2.86 (0.58); p = 0.012], along with those with multi-morbidity [2.55 (0.60) vs. 2.77 (0.54); p = 0.006] and those lacking comprehension of Dutch [2.46 (0.56) vs. 2.69 (0.59); p = 0.011]. Self-management abilities of well-being had a negative association with multi-morbidity (β = −0.18, p = 0.007) and lack of Dutch comprehension (β = −0.16, p = 0.031), and a positive association with attachment to Moroccan (β = 0.17, p = 0.012) and Dutch (β = 0.18, p = 0.010) cultures. Conclusions Findings indicate that attachment to Moroccan and Dutch cultures is beneficial for older Moroccans’ self-management of well-being. Efforts need to support older migrants’ integration for them to adequately function and feel at home. Interventions promoting integration and self-management need to consider the characteristics of older migrant populations Key messages • Attachment to origin and host cultures benefits older migrants’ self-management of well-being. The cultural context of older migrants needs to be considered when promoting values of self-management. • Differences in acculturation and self-management of well-being existed between older migrant subgroups. Interventions promoting these values should account for the diversity that exists among migrants.