Distance versus destination: stream selectivity of elderly interstate migrants.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Demography
• Migration Studies

Background:

• Understanding migration selectivity is crucial for demographic and socioeconomic planning.
• Previous studies often focused on general population migration, with less specific attention to older adults.
• The role of distance as a factor in the migration decisions of older adults remains an area for exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relative effect of distance on migration selectivity among older adults (age 60+).
• To compare socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of older migrants across different distance streams.
• To determine if distance is a significant factor influencing the migration choices of the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1-in-100 1970 census public use microdata sample.
• Examination of migration streams of individuals aged 60 and older with common origin states but diverse destinations.
• Matched comparisons of older migrants' characteristics, controlling for destination, from states varying in distance.

Main Results:

• Distance was found to be an unimportant factor in the migration selectivity of older adults.
• Significant differences in socioeconomic and demographic characteristics between migration streams were rare, regardless of distance.
• Consistent findings were observed across multiple case studies, including migration to Arizona, New York City suburbs, and Chicago.

Conclusions:

• Migration decisions for older adults are not significantly influenced by the distance between origin and destination.
• Socioeconomic and demographic factors appear to be more critical determinants of migration selectivity in this age group.
• Future research should focus on non-distance-related factors influencing elderly migration patterns.