PhD defence H. (Hager) Hussein

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

This research explores how older Moroccan adults in the Netherlands experience growing older, managing their well-being, and feeling at home in their neighbourhoods. Most older adults in the Netherlands want to “age in place,” living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The Dutch government supports this idea by working to make neighbourhoods more age-friendly. However, older migrants are often left out of these plans and the research that shapes them.
To address this gap, the research examined what helps or hinders older Moroccan adults in managing their well-being and feeling comfortable in their surroundings. It looked at how their cultural background and life in Dutch society affect their independence, well-being, and needs from their neighbourhoods. The findings show that factors such as language skills, education, health, and experiences of discrimination all influence how older migrants manage their well-being and perceive their neighbourhoods.
The research also gathered diverse perspectives from older Moroccan adults about what makes a neighbourhood truly age-friendly, including the presence of nearby family, shops and health services, social connections, and places to meet. It developed and tested a new instrument to measure how age-friendly neighbourhoods are for diverse older-adult populations in the Netherlands.
Overall, this research emphasises that ageing is not a one-size-fits-all experience. To create inclusive and supportive environments, policies and initiatives must reflect the cultural diversity of older adults and be guided by their perspectives and needs. By listening to these voices, society can build environments where everyone has the opportunity to age with dignity, connection, and well-being.