Provincial out-migration patterns of Canadian elderly: characterization and explanation

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Sociology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Understanding population movement is crucial for policy development.
• Canadian interprovincial migration patterns require detailed analysis.
• The distinct migration drivers for elderly versus nonelderly populations are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the interprovincial migration patterns of Canada's elderly population with those of the nonelderly.
• To identify the key factors influencing the destination choices of different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Revenue Canada income tax data spanning a fifteen-year period (1966/67-1980/81).
• Analyzed departure rates and destination choices for both elderly and nonelderly individuals.

Main Results:

• Departure rates and general destination choice patterns were found to be similar between the elderly and nonelderly groups.
• Elderly individuals' destination choices were significantly influenced by environmental factors.
• Nonelderly individuals' destination choices were primarily driven by labor-market variables.

Conclusions:

• While overall migration behavior shows similarities, the specific determinants of destination choice differ markedly between age groups.
• Environmental factors play a more critical role in the migration decisions of seniors.
• Labor market conditions are the predominant influence on the migration choices of the nonelderly population.