Ageing and mobilities in transnational space: the British-Bangladeshi experience

Empirical data from in-depth interviews with Bangladeshis in London and Sylhet reveal different experiences, imaginaries and mobilities connected to ageing. In contrast to the now-standard ‘Western’ model of active and successful ageing, in Sylhet and amongst Bangladeshi-origin migrants in London, successful ageing is less about physical activity and independence and more about being socially active and respected, and being taken care of by family members. However, British-Bangladeshis’ experiences of ageing and mobility are gendered, with older men going to the mosque for social interaction, and some making solo trips to the desh or homeland, whilst most older women are spatially less mobile. Men view the experience of ageing in Bangladesh as more convivial, for climatic, economic and social reasons, but healthcare there is very poor. For older British-Bangladeshi women, there is less desire to visit the homeland; even less to return there to settle. Most older first-generation British-Bangladeshis are content to age-in-place in London, although a minority of men go for extended stays in Sylhet. For the younger first-generation migrants in London whose parents are still alive in Bangladesh, managing transnational familyhood and care are a major challenge, given the costs and other barriers to travel.