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Unexpected Return of Dutch Pensioners: Family and Health Drive Remigration
A study of over 6,000 Dutch pensioners who emigrated found that 9% returned to the Netherlands within three years, far exceeding the less than 5% who initially planned to return, primarily due to family ties, health issues, and difficulties accessing adequate healthcare abroad.
- What are the primary factors causing a much higher than expected return rate among Dutch pensioners who emigrated after retirement?
- A recent study by the NIDI reveals that approximately 9% of Dutch pensioners who emigrated after retirement returned to the Netherlands within three years, significantly higher than their initial expectations (less than 5%). This return is driven by factors like family ties and deteriorating health, impacting initial plans.
- What are the future implications of this study for supporting Dutch pensioners living abroad and planning for retirement emigration?
- Future implications suggest a need for improved support systems for Dutch pensioners abroad, addressing both the social and healthcare challenges they face. The study underscores the importance of realistic planning, considering potential health decline and the strain of distance on family relationships during retirement.
- How do factors like family relationships and health conditions influence the decision of Dutch pensioners to return to the Netherlands after emigrating?
- The study highlights the underestimation of social factors among retiring emigrants. Maintaining close relationships with family in the Netherlands and the health status of the emigrant significantly influence the decision to return. These factors outweigh initial motivations like lower living costs and pleasant climates.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the unexpected high rate of return migration, potentially leading readers to underestimate the success rate of those who choose to remain abroad. The headline, while not explicitly provided, would likely reinforce this emphasis on return. The article's structure, focusing on the reasons for return, might unintentionally downplay the positive aspects of emigrating in retirement.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, relying on statistics and quotes from researchers and individuals. However, phrases like "getrokken" (pulled) in reference to the influence of family in the Netherlands could be subtly biased, implying a lack of agency on the part of the emigrants. A more neutral phrasing might be "influenced".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the reasons for return migration among Dutch pensioners, but omits discussion of those who successfully remain abroad and the factors contributing to their success. While acknowledging limitations of scope, a brief mention of positive experiences and successful long-term emigration would provide a more balanced perspective. The article also doesn't explore the economic impact of return migration on either the Netherlands or the countries of emigration.
Sustainable Development Goals
Many pensioners underestimated health issues related to aging, leading to unexpected returns to the Netherlands for better access to healthcare and social support. The article highlights difficulties accessing adequate healthcare abroad, particularly in countries with less developed healthcare systems, impacting the well-being of the pensioners. The quote, "In the hallway you see I don't know how many stretchers, and if you come in at ten in the morning, you can be happy if you're in a ward at eight in the evening," illustrates the poor state of healthcare in some of the destination countries.