practical living
them over the life course, but especially in
older age and widowhood. Expectations
were often so entrenched that individuals
perceived them as natural rather than
culturally developed.
Many perceived cross-cultural differences
with respect to familial relations and support.
They often compared and contrasted their
own families with Anglo families, perceiving
Greek families to be comparatively closer
and cohesive.
Keep it in the family
Issues of family support
among older, widowed
Greek-Australian migrants.
By Georgia Rowley
S
upport from family is often important
to older migrants residing in ‘foreign
lands’. This is especially so in later-life
widowhood. This article is based on research
with older, widowed Greek migrants in
urban and rural South Australia. I conducted
in‑depth interviews in Greek with 41
widowed migrants, and translated the
findings to English for wider dissemination.
Among this group, traditional gender roles
and responsibilities were typically fostered,
leading to specific challenges in widowhood,
such as finances and transport for women,
and cooking and cleaning for men. For all
older adults, losing a spouse and associated
support in older age can negatively impact
health and wellbeing.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Greek-Australian families are typically
described as collectivist, cohesive and
supportive. Most of the older Greek migrants
I spoke to were born into large families.
Expectations of familial support, especially
in older age, were often retained many
years post-migration. Several explained that
non-English-speaking migrants ageing in
22 agedcareinsite.com.au
Australia required additional support from
their children compared to English-speaking
or non-migrant parents, due to language
and cultural barriers.
Adult children are often expected to care
for ageing parents, and frequently provide
informal support to their parents from
young ages. Familial support was usually
so accessible among this group (especially
among those residing close to children),
that formal support avenues were often not
considered or used. Support from family was
simply preferred over that of other providers.
Providing support is influenced by
geographic location and overall familial
closeness. The individuals I spoke with
received both emotional and instrumental
support across different domains. Sharing
emotions and worries was cathartic, though
some avoided discussing the death of their
spouse for fear of upsetting others. Several
women reported forcing themselves to mask
their feelings, to appear happier around their
children, despite feeling internal anguish.
Most older Greeks I spoke with provided
examples of strong, reciprocal familial
support and networks. Many had relied
heavily on familial support even prior to
widowhood; however, spousal loss often
heightened dependence on children
following diminished health and increased
need. For this group, current support and
expectations of considerable future support
from family were integral to coping and
wellbeing in widowhood.
SUPPORT EXPECTATIONS
Normative Greek cultural values and beliefs
influenced support expectations among this
group. Support was preferred and expected
from children. Many assumed their children
had an innate responsibility to support
BARRIERS TO FAMILIAL SUPPORT
Some expected more support than they
currently received. Barriers to receiving
support included residential location,
competing familial and work responsibilities,
and children’s acculturation to Anglo society.
Support expectations often weighed
down differently on children. Although some
eldest children assumed more responsibility
than younger siblings, increased pressure
and expectations were often placed on
children who resided closer, or who had
better relationships with their parents.
Children residing elsewhere represented
a major barrier for rural residents with
limited or no access to private or public
transport. Those who lived geographically
further from family sensed that they were
missing out on the familial closeness others
possessed. For those who perceived that
they lacked support, feelings of isolation,
disappointment or unhappiness often
ensued, especially when they felt they
received less support than their peers.
FAMILIAL RECIPROCITY
In line with cultural obligations, notions of
familial reciprocity (i.e. giving and receiving
support) were important to Greek migrants.
Related to reciprocity were notions of
parental sacrifice for their children, which
were evoked to justify later-life support
expectations. Guilt and moral obligations
were often tied to strong familial support
expectations.
THE INDEPENDENCE PARADOX
Consistent with retaining independence,
most were proud of living independently.
Loss of independence was generally viewed
negatively, and many claimed they did not
wish to rely heavily upon or burden others.
In line with ABS data, some Greek
migrants co-resided with their children.
Paradoxically, while most claimed they
wanted to age independently, they were
highly dependent on their children for
support, English language, navigating formal
services, social interaction, housework,