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American seniors prefer to stay at home

A new American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) study reveals ageing migration trends of the 60+ population and views from local residents and community leaders. It shows that 9 in 10 Adults aged 60+ Prefer to Stay in their home and community rather than move.

The in-depth study dispels the common myth that a majority of the 60+ population pack up their belongings and move to warmer climates as they age. According to the report, only about 9%, or 4.4 million people age 60+, were residentially mobile, moving beyond their county in the five years prior to the 2000 Census with the rest staying in the same home or county.

Closer proximity to family, friends and children ranked high in the reasons cited for moving. Factors that also ranked highly in deciding not to move 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.

The report includes interview data from more than 1
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 aware of the demographic shifts taking place in their communities and were very positive about the 60+ residents. Only 5% 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% of the 60+ population think community leaders need to start paying more attention to the needs of its 60+ citizens.

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