Later-Life Migrations in Canada in 2001: A Multilevel Approach

Abstract

Canada is an aging society; with over 13% of the population 65 and over in 2008 and with this population growing at a rate more than double the overall population. Moreover, the aging of the Canada population varies geographically across the nation. Using data drawn from the 2001 Census of Canada Master files (20% sample), the objectives of this analysis are twofold. First, the analysis examines the internal migration behavior of the older population, distinguishing between the native-born and foreign-born. Second, the analysis examines how residential attributes at the census subdivision (CSD) and census metropolitan levels influence the migration decision. This analysis examines the later-life migrations of Canada's older population at the census subdivision level in 2001.

“On the move, or staying put?” An analysis of intrametropolitan residential mobility and ageing in place

“…The most stability was seen between the ages of 65 and 85. Housing modifications, support services, and gerotechnology may be helping people with reduced capacities to age in place and thereby remain settled (King & Newbold, ). This study found that highest rates of mobility were seen in the over 85 age category.…”

“…Consistent with the literature, the term migration is also used when referring to the process and study of residential relocation (Niedomysl, Ernstson, & Fransson, ). As the consequences of older adult residential mobility are often most pronounced at the metropolitan level, this has been identified as a useful scale to understand the flows and magnitudes of internal migration (Hugo, ; King & Newbold, ; Walters, ). Although a number of studies have investigated intrametropolitan ageing mobility (de Jong & Brouwer, ; Hugo, ; Lowdell, Evandrou, Bardsley, Morgan, & Soljak, ), there has been scant investigation of this at smaller spatial scales, which can give a better picture of residential mobility and the localisation of ageing in place.…”

“…Although a number of studies have investigated intrametropolitan ageing mobility (de Jong & Brouwer, ; Hugo, ; Lowdell, Evandrou, Bardsley, Morgan, & Soljak, ), there has been scant investigation of this at smaller spatial scales, which can give a better picture of residential mobility and the localisation of ageing in place. Given the demographic changes being experienced in urban areas, fine‐grain intrametropolitan residential mobility has been identified as an area requiring further investigation (Coulter & van Ham, ; King & Newbold, ).…”

Later-Life Migration in The Netherlands: Propensity to Move and Residential Mobility

“…Even though population aging is a well-known phenomenon and challenge in the EU, it is not exclusive to Europe. Similar demographic trends, to varying degrees, are occurring in other parts of the world (e.g., Conway & Houtenville, 2003;King & Newbold, 2009).…”

Geographies of ageing

“…Attentiveness to spatial patterning also has spurred a lasting relationship between geographers interested in studies on ageing and migration (McHugh and Mings, 1996;Rogers and Raymer, 2001). Whether focused on seasonal or other life transitions such as 'snowbird' travel to warmer climates in winter months (Happel and Hogan, 2002;King and Newbold, 2009;Mings, 1997), shorter destination moves to be closer to amenities, services, or family members in the face of declining health and abilities (Joseph and Chalmers, 1996) or moves due to changing life course circumstances like retirement, widowhood, and remarriage (Joseph and Hallman, 1998;McHugh and Mings, 1996), a traditional emphasis on the movement patterns and motivations of older people remains strong. At the same time, an understanding of trends in mortality, the patterns of migration, spatial concentration, and relocation in the Global South remain relatively limited, except for the burgeoning literature on geographies of ageing and health in the Asia-Pacific (see contributions to Phillips and Chan, 2002).…”