Related Experiment Videos
A first look at retirement migration trends in 2000
Charles F Longino1, Don E Bradley
1Reynolda Gerontology Program, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA. longino@wfu.edu
The Gerontologist
|January 6, 2004
Summary
The number of older adults migrating interstate increased significantly between 1995-2000, with Florida seeing a slight decline as a top destination. Arizona emerged as a leading retirement state, indicating shifting migration patterns for seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Demography
Background:
- Interstate migration patterns among older adults are crucial for understanding demographic shifts.
- Previous research has established key destination and origin states for this population group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the number and proportion of older adults (60+) migrating interstate between 1995-2000.
- To compare these migration estimates with data from the previous decade (1990-1995).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the 2000 census 1-in-100 public-use microdata sample.
- Comparison with the 1990 census 1-in-20 sample.
- Calculation of point estimates for inflows and outflows for top states and net migration.
Main Results:
- The total estimated number of older interstate migrants surpassed 2 million during 1995-2000.
- Florida's dominance as a destination state slightly decreased, showing a downward trend.
- Arizona became the second-largest receiving state, while California emerged as a major origin state. Nevada entered the top retirement states list.
Conclusions:
- Shifting migration dynamics among older adults may indicate changes in perceived quality of life in destination states.
- A substantial increase in older adult migration is projected for the coming decades.