AARP study: Older adults prefer to stay put

The report, “Aging, Migration, and Local Communities: The Views of 60+ Residents and Community Leaders,” was conducted by AARP Knowledge Management.

The study found that only about 9 percent, or 4.4 million people, age 60 and older were residentially mobile, moving beyond their county in the five years prior to the 2000 Census. On the other hand, 90 percent, or 41.5 million of Americans in that age group, preferred to stay in the same home or county.

In addition to an analysis of U.S. Census Data, the study contained information gathered from 149 community leaders and 1,201 telephone interviews with individuals 60 and older.

County growth

Among individual counties, half are experiencing a high growth of age-60-plus residents due to in-migration, and the other half have a stable population among that age group.

“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 of AARP, in a news release. “Whether the community has a booming new 60-plus population or a stable group of 60-plus 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.”

Among the key reasons why people age 60 and older choose to stay in their homes and communities included proximity to other family members and satisfaction with their current homes, jobs and/or job opportunities.

Priorities

Also in the survey, respondents identified government priorities. Two topics – transportation and housing – were the focus of most respondents despite other social, environmental and macroeconomic factors.

“The results of this study provide both reassurance and challenges as local communities experience the aging of their populations,” said Elinor Ginzler, director of Livable Communities, in the release. “We know most people do want to stay in their homes or community, so engaging community leaders and the 60-plus residents in an ongoing dialogue is a priority for AARP.”

The 149 community leaders polled for the study represent 30 U.S. counties. Overall, the community leaders indicated an awareness of the demographic shifts taking place in their communities and were very positive about what residents in the 60-plus age group mean to their communities.

Only 5 percent of the community leader respondents think these residents take more than they contribute to their communities. Most community leaders believe the 60-plus 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-plus population think community leaders need to start paying more attention to their needs.