Observatorio Europeo de Gerontomigraciones (OEG) Facultad de Derecho Campus de Teatinos Universidad de Málaga 29071-Málaga http://www.gerontomigracion.uma.es Retired British expatriates with reference to the importance of social clubs and integration in local Spanish society A case study – Benalmadena Charles Betty * and Rafael Duran ** 2008 The aims of the study To explore using survey questionnaires, personal recorded interviews, participant observation and stakeholder information on how: a) British social clubs aid friendship networking: provide information on life-styles, individual and group support, self-esteem and well-being. b) British social clubs help or hinder integration with local Spanish community. c) To ascertain whether club members were interested in local and national politics, and implications for community integration. d) And to compare the findings of a similar study done in the year 2000 Background This study arose out of investigations in the 1990´s and 2000 that examined the life-styles of older migrants in Europe especially those who retired to Southern Europe, or spent large periods of time in a second home (O´Reilly 2000 and 2004, King, Warnes, and Williams 1998, Rodriquez V, Fernadenz-Mayoralas, and Rojo, 1998, Echezarreta 2005, and Betty 2000). The studies reported on for example, push/pull factors for retirement migration, motivations, integration in local society, health and quality of life, self-esteem, and language difficulties, but little research has been carried out, which looked principally at the influence and importance of expatriate social clubs in the life-styles of British retirees in Benalmadena, and aspects of community involvement mentioned in the aims of the present study. In the spirit of community involvement the findings and recommendations will be given face to face to members of the social clubs and associations who have been participants, and the local Mayor and appropriate members of the municipality of Benalmadena. * OEG Visiting Scholar (cbetty47@googlemail.com). ** OEG Scholar (rduran@uma.es).