The Experiences of Healthcare Services and Ageing Among Older Turkish Immigrants: A Qualitative Study


Şahin S., Temür B. N., Öncel S., Aksoy N., Helvik A. S.

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, ss.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/jan.16763
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, CINAHL, Communication & Mass Media Index, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

ABSTRACT

Aims

The aim of this study is to explore patterns of the lived experiences of first-generation Turkish immigrants (≥ 60 years) living and ageing in Norway regarding their experiences with healthcare services and ageing.

Design

This study used a qualitative study.

Methods

The sample consisted of 17 individuals aged 60 and above who were of Turkish origin, and immigrated to and living in Norway. All participants resided in the same city in the middle part of Norway. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted between February and June 2023. All transcripts were examined using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Two main themes and five subthemes were identified. The first theme was ‘Utilization of the healthcare service to their best’, with the subthemes: (a) ‘Communication through a translator: Expressing health problems’ and (b) ‘From physician to physician: Seeking a second opinion in health’. The second theme was ‘Being born in Türkiye: Aging in Norway’, with the subthemes: (a) ‘Between two worlds: Efforts to establish balance’, (b) ‘Family ties and care preferences: Understanding the care preferences’ and (c) ‘Two cultures, one life: Lifestyles’.

Conclusion

This study reveals the experiences Turkish immigrants have with the healthcare service and ageing while living in Norway and balancing between two cultures. These findings offer a valuable perspective for healthcare providers and social workers and offer insight relevant to developing a cross-cultural healthcare service programme.

Impact

This study could provide a fundamental step towards understanding older Turkish immigrants and how healthcare services fit their needs. The results revealed Turkish individuals' experiences with ageing and healthcare services, including the use of translator services and general care preferences. The development of more inclusive support programmes for ageing immigrant populations may have far-reaching impacts on individuals' ability to live healthy and meaningful lives.