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Retention of Older In‐Migrants: Role of Family, Friends, and Community Services
Author(s) -
Junk Virginia W.,
Young Margaret H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
family and consumer sciences research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.372
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1552-3934
pISSN - 1077-727X
DOI - 10.1177/1077727x9902700301
Subject(s) - older people , community service , gerontology , construct (python library) , psychology , population , sociology , medicine , demography , political science , public relations , computer science , programming language
The growth in the proportion of older persons in the population directs more attention to their resources and migration. The purpose of this study is to determine the role that family, friends, and community services play in how older persons feel about moving from or staying in their community. Data were collected from 985 older (age 50 to 70) recent in‐migrants to Idaho, using a mailed survey. Based on structural equation analysis, friendships were significant for both genders in determining whether they thought they would move from their present community. For men, community services were also significant. The family construct, whereas somewhat stronger for women, was not a significant predictor of migration in either men or women. Communities that wish to attract or retain older persons should consider programs and facilities that foster friendships and social contacts, and promote services for older persons and older men in particular.