9 in 10 Adults Age 60+ Prefer to Stay in Their Home and Community Rather Than Move

New AARP study reveals aging migration trends of the 60+ population and views from local residents and community leaders

Source: AARP Press Center | October 27, 2006

To move or not to move? Today AARP released a new in-depth study, which dispels the common myth that a majority of the 60+ population packs up their belongings and moves to warmer climates as they age. According to the report, "Aging, Migration, and Local Communities: The Views of 60+ Residents and Community Leaders," conducted by AARP Knowledge Management, only about nine percent, or 4.4 million people age 60+, were residentially mobile, moving beyond their county in the five years prior to the 2000 Census. In contrast, 9 in 10, or 41.5 million of Americans 60+, preferred to stay in the same home or county.

The study results are based on two types of data: an analysis of U.S. Census data and survey data including 1,201 telephone interviews with residents age 60 and older who live in counties where the population is aging and 149 community leaders. Half of the counties are experiencing a high growth of the 60+ population due to in-migration, and half of the counties have a stable population among that age group. By doing this research, AARP seeks to better understand the twin phenomena of aging - why some older Americans move to certain communities, and why others opt to stay in their current homes and communities.

"Connectedness to family, friends and community is truly the emotional fabric of our society and these relationships are key factors in the decision to stay or move," said Nancy LeaMond, Group Executive Officer, AARP. "Whether the community has a booming new 60+ population or a stable group of 60+ residents, the influx of Baby Boomers in the upcoming years will challenge community leaders to plan ahead accordingly for medical care, transportation options, and social services."

The report identifies key factors that motivate 60+ residents to move to a different county. In fact, closer proximity to family, friends and children ranked high in the reasons cited for the move.

The study also provides an in-depth look at why people 60+ choose to stay in their communities. Factors that ranked high included: proximity to other family members, satisfaction with their current home, and satisfaction with current job or job opportunities.

In identifying local government priorities over the next five years, a large percentage of those residents 60+ focused on transportation and housing, including less traffic congestion, better transportation and better quality roads, and affordable housing needs. Despite other social, environmental and macroeconomic factors, these two topics came up in many different ways as concerns and considerations among both the 60+ population and community leaders.

"The results of this study provide both reassurance and challenges as local communities experience the aging of their populations. We know most people do want to stay in their homes or community, so engaging community leaders and the 60+ residents in an ongoing dialogue is a priority for AARP," said Elinor Ginzler, Director of Livable Communities. "We're thrilled to see that this group has identified affordable housing and better transportation needs as key priorities over the next five years. This confirms that AARP's strategic focus is really relevant to our membership."

Finally, the report includes interview data from more than 149 community leaders in 30 different counties, in order to identify what community leaders think about the booming aging populations in their communities. Overall, community leaders were indeed aware of the demographic shifts taking place in their communities and were very positive about the 60+ residents. Only 5 percent of the community leader respondents think these residents take more than they contribute to their communities. Leaders in religious communities, local government and social services are especially likely to agree that the 60+ residents make a valuable net contribution to their community.

The study also found community leaders believe the 60+ residents benefit their local communities through volunteering, sharing valuable experiences, providing economic benefits, and being good, solid citizens. In contrast, more than 76 percent of the 60+ population think community leaders need to start paying more attention to the needs of its 60+ citizens.

For more information or to view a copy of the full report, please visit www.aarp.org.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.