The government is being urged to do more to make elderly immigrants feel welcome.

Research by Victoria University shows older Indian newcomers are being left isolated and lonely as younger family members are out working, leaving them alone during the day. Language problems and a lack of transport can make matters worse.

Judith Davey from the university's Institute of Policy Studies says the challenges older people face include adapting to a new society and a new family environment. She says there needs to be improved coordination between central government agencies and community groups and although the government's Positive Aging Strategy provides support services, it has been slow to develop.

The researchers examined the issues of ageing Indian migrants by talking to the leaders of interest groups in the Indian community in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and through family case studies.

?Many older Indians feel dependent on their adult children but, like older people in other ethnic groups, they ?do not want to be a burden?. So many suffer isolation and loneliness, even through their situation is not what they expected when they moved in with their families.?

Ms Davey says the tension between the traditional way of doing things and New Zealand culture can also be problematic.

?Wives may resent their live-in in-laws, and when grandparents care for grandchildren there can be different views on child-rearing.?

Ms Davey says with more than 106,000 Indian immigrants in New Zealand, it is a significant population. There is also evidence this may be the case in other ethnic communities.