Publication

This working paper investigates the effect of adult child migration on the health of their elderly parents who are left behind. The authors conducted a study using data from Moldova, which has one of the highest emigration rates in the world. The results show positive migration effects on the body mass index (BMI), mobility and self-reported health of the elderly. No effects are found on depression and cognitive capacity. The authors conclude that these positive effects seem to compensate the elderly for the decreasing social contact they have with their migrant family members.