Distinctively Elderly Mobility: Types and Determinants

Abstract

"Distinctive types of mobility are identified for the [U.S.] elderly, many of whom also move for traditional reasons. Using a longitudinal data set from adult residents in Rhode Island, univariate, chi square, and logit analyses indicate associations between sociodemographic characteristics of the elderly and their mobility behavior. Mobility for assistance reasons is associated with older age, unmarried status, higher previous mobility, and renter status. Mobility in preparation for aging (e.g., to an elderly complex) is more likely for unmarried, previously mobile residents. Out-of-state mobility to amenity destinations is not limited to the elderly, but younger, married, more affluent elderly were more likely to make such moves."

The effects of migration on the detection of geographic differences in disease risk

“…Ellis (1996), for example, finds high rates of out-migration among those diagnosed with AIDS, with the spatial concentration of people with AIDS becoming more concentrated in areas with good-health care facilities. Litwak and Longino (1987) and Meyer and Speare (1985) focus on stages of elderly migration, contrasting amenity-oriented moves early in retirement (dominated by healthy retirees) with assistance-oriented moves later in life. Thus healthy new retirees congregate in popular retirement destinations such as Florida, leaving the less healthy behind in origins such as the Northeastern and Midwestern United States.…”

European retirees on the Costa del Sol: a cross-national comparison

“…Given that in recent years in developed countries, retired people have had increased purchasing power and rising housing assets, giving them a greater capacity for residential mobility and the choice to live in areas with good environmental conditions, one readily understands the growing importance of international retirement migration (IRM). This is one of several residential strategies available to a household when its members leave the labour market or when individual, social or family circumstances change (Meyer and Speare, 1985;Northcott, 1988;Abella Ân, 1993).…”

Factors differentiating elderly residential movers and nonmovers

“…Movement among the aged, for example, is typically not connected to career opportunities, new marriages, or growth in family size (Leslie & Richardson 1961;Siegel 1980). In contrast to younger adults, the elderly are most likely to move for amenities, to receive assistance from others, or to prepare for aging by seeking out more suitable environments such as smaller housing units (Meyer & Speare 1985;Wiseman 1980).…”