Older Adults in Multifamily Housing: Residential Satisfaction and Intention to Move

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between residential satisfaction and intention to move among older adults living in multifamily housing based on Morris and Winter's theory of housing adjustment. Residents age 55 years and over living in market-rate multifamily housing were recruited from a convenience sample (n = 431). Exploratory factor analysis, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple regressions were employed. Results revealed that those who were (i) older, healthier, retired, had higher incomes, were owners, living in larger units within newer buildings with elevators located in a city, and paid more monthly housing costs showed higher residential satisfaction; (ii) younger, nonmarried single, and renters were more likely to intend to move; and (iii) satisfied with the unit design and the multifamily community were less likely to intend to move. Findings support the theory of housing adjustment and suggest multifamily housing can be an appealing alternative for seniors.

Segmentation analysis of US older adults living in multifamily housing: reasons for moving

“…The first factor, the multifamily living reason, was related to the quality of the interior and exterior design of multifamily housing, and the quality of the maintenance and management team. Consistent with other studies, physical design, maintenance and management services in multifamily housing are important factors that impact satisfaction with living in multifamily housing (James, ; Kelley, ; Kwon and Beamish, ). The second factor, the nearby activities reason consisted of location related variables that reflect the importance of easy access to local services in good quality residential environments (Junk and Anderson, ; Clough et al ., ; NAHB Research Center and The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, ; U.S. Green Building Council, ; Larco et al ., ).…”

Research on Housing for Older Adults: 2001 to 2018

“…There was no significant relationship between housing satisfaction and housing type (e.g., single-family or multifamily housing) and tenure (e.g., rent or own). Similarly, household income and housing size were positively related to housing satisfaction for older Korean Americans living in Minnesota (Hwang & Ziebarth, 2006) and for older residents living in multifamily housing (Kwon & Beamish, 2013). Health was another important factor in predicting housing satisfaction level for older Korean Americans (Hwang & Ziebarth, 2006) and for older residents residing in multifamily housing (Kwon & Beamish, 2013).…”

“…For example, Morris and Winter's housing adjustment theory was used to analyze housing satisfaction levels among older adults living in multifamily housing (e.g., Kwon & Beamish, 2013), and in the analysis of Asian and Pacific Islander households (e.g., Lee & Parrott, 2010). Behavioral theories were used to construct theoretical frameworks.…”

“…Behavioral theories were used to construct theoretical frameworks. For example, Morris and Winter's housing adjustment theory was used to analyze housing satisfaction levels among older adults living in multifamily housing (e.g., Kwon & Beamish, 2013), and in the analysis of Asian and Pacific Islander households (e.g., Lee & Parrott, 2010). Lawton's person-environmental press model was used in explaining meaning of place among rural older adults (e.g., Cook et al, 2007) and investigating relationships between the desire to age-in-place and attitudes toward home technology (e.g., Ahn & Goss, 2006).…”

“…For example, Lee and Parrott (2010) investigated older Asian and Pacific Island households' housing satisfaction level, using American Housing Survey Data from 1995 to 2007. Health was another important factor in predicting housing satisfaction level for older Korean Americans (Hwang & Ziebarth, 2006) and for older residents residing in multifamily housing (Kwon & Beamish, 2013). There was no significant relationship between housing satisfaction and housing type (e.g., single-family or multifamily housing) and tenure (e.g., rent or own).…”