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

Abstract

Population ageing and urbanisation are worldwide phenomena that are transforming societies and having profound economic and social effects on cities and countries throughout the world.Ageing is not taking place evenly, and in many developed cities, ageing growth rates are greater in peripheral areas than in the centre. This paper determines how intrametropolitan residential mobility and ageing-in-place patterns vary across age categories and geographical scales, explored through a case study of metropolitan Perth, a rapidly growing, low-density, sprawling city. Using a life course perspective, this study examines Australian residential mobility census data between 2006 and 2011 and disaggregates this into 4 age categories: preretirement (ages 55-64), seniors in active retirement (ages 65-74), mature-aged seniors (ages 75-84), and older aged seniors (over 85 years). This study adds to the internal migration literature by offering new insights into the age-specific mobility patterns of older populations within metropolitan areas. The results reveal that the overriding dynamic is one of stability across the metropolitan area with the dominant trend being "ageing in place." It was found that the likelihood of residential mobility varies by age, and a 2-peak mobility pattern was identified, with the preretirement and the older aged seniors exhibiting the most mobility. Additionally, although the majority of moves were short distance, younger ages moved farther than did the older aged categories.The study makes empirical and conceptual contributions to our understanding of ageing residential mobility trends within metropolitan areas.

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

“…In general, two of the most influential theoretical perspectives on residential mobility are the life-cycle and life course models (Atkins, 2018). In the life-cycle model residential mobility is a functional response to major life transitions, particularly family transitions (Clark & Withers, 2002), such as cohabitation, the transition to parenthood, and changes in household size.…”

Residential Mobility and Quality of Life between Metropolitan Areas: The Case of South Korea

“…The first, from the urban informatics field, involves the use of data to measure effects on residential mobility or outcomes. This includes using objective indicators such as population, economics, and transportation (e.g., travel time and distance to work) [31]; land use and transportation accessibility [32]; the distance between residential areas and infrastructure [33]; health status [34]; population and population aging; poverty [35]; and income level [36]. Studies using these indicators have the advantage of explaining population movement between cities by way of long-term case studies, and such research has been conducted in multiple cities.…”

Staying put out of choice or constraint? The residential choice behaviour of Dutch older adults

“…In recent years, the concept of ‘ageing in place’ has been attracting a growing academic interest (Atkins, 2018; Smetcoren et al, 2017). Ageing in place has been defined as ‘the desire and tendency of older persons to stay in their current dwelling units for as long as possible’ (Pynoos et al, 2007, p. 711).…”

“…As such, it has been argued that ageing in place can enhance a sense of independence, identity, autonomy, security, and emotional attachment with the dwelling and neighbourhood (e.g., Kendig et al, 2012; Pynoos et al, 2007; Wiles et al, 2012). However, some long‐cherished home environments may ultimately become unsuitable for the needs of older adults (Atkins, 2018; Han & Kim, 2016; Judd et al, 2014). Several studies have demonstrated possible hazards and negative outcomes for the independence, health and wellbeing of older people when living in inadequate housing (Golant, 2011; Lord et al, 2006; Oswald et al, 2007; Sixsmith & Sixsmith, 2008; Wagner et al, 2010).…”