Aging as a Journey
Aging is a lifelong journey, beginning at birth and continuing through various transitional phases, typically starting around 55 years of age. Across the globe, from the USA to countries in Africa and Europe, this age range marks the traditional onset of retirement. Retirement is when an employee leaves the workforce, either voluntarily or due to mandatory retirement policies, health reasons, or other unforeseen circumstances.
A Rising Retirement Age
In recent times, due to increasing life expectancy, the retirement age in many countries has been raised to 65-70 years old. As people in developed nations live longer, often reaching their 90s or even 100s, they have the potential to remain active and impactful members of society for a longer period. Many elderly immigrant professionals relocating to America aspire to make a positive difference in the lives of their grandchildren, cultural communities, and others. As an immigrant myself, I can relate to the excitement and dreams of making a positive impact, much like many of my friends.
Challenges Beyond Retirement
The 65+ phase of life brings several life-changing transitions beyond retirement. Elderly immigrant professionals face the stress of relocating to a new country, the USA, along with unforeseen challenges intertwined with these natural life transitions. Like most other immigrants, including younger ones, they grapple with the following:
Language barriers: Difficulty with a new language, including pronunciation.
Cultural and social adaptation: Adjusting to new customs, beliefs, laws, and social networks.
Physical limitations: Deteriorating eyesight, hearing, and mobility, along with chronic health concerns.
Financial limitations: Limited personal resources.
Family dynamics: Potential for abuse, disengagement from relatives, and strained relationships.
Finding Their Place
These challenges, combined with difficulty finding suitable jobs to meet their financial needs, can overwhelm elderly immigrants. They can feel drained, lose hope, and see their self-esteem plummet.
Diverse Motivations
Elderly professional immigrants come to America for various reasons, including:
Reuniting with their children.
Seeking job opportunities to continue their careers and utilize their years of experience.
Saving for retirement after spending their earnings on their children's education or supporting loved ones back home.
Viewing relocation to America as an investment in their future well-being.
These accomplished professionals desire independence and the chance to return to the workforce, pursuing activities that bring them joy and generate a sustainable income.
Facing Reality
Unfortunately, their hopes can be dashed by the daily realities of interacting with their children, grandchildren, and other family members who may not be able to provide the necessary support. Some elderly immigrants become disillusioned and depressed, but they refuse to give up on their personal goals and their search for a better life.
CARLDI: A Supportive Network
The Career Research, Learning and Development Institute (CARLDI) is dedicated to providing support to this group of elderly professionals.
Our Mission:
To help them clarify their personal goals.
To identify the resources they need.
To develop the relationships and skills necessary to thrive and adjust to aging in the United States.
Our Programs:
· Civics and History of America
· Physiological and Lifestyle Changes
· Culture and Lifestyle Transitions
· Bible Study (offered monthly, in person)
Meeting Locations (will be updated on the event page):
· Zoom
· Libraries
· Coffee shops
We look forward to welcoming you and supporting you on your journey!
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