Elderly Hispanic migration in the United States
Article Abstract:
Within the United States, population flows of the elderly seem to occur primarily from northern regions to the Sunbelt states, and when elders move, they usually choose a similar area (for example, from a rural area to a rural area). However, these assumptions apply primarily to the white population; migration of the elderly Hispanic population has not been systematically studied. Due to its rapid growth, almost total concentration in nine states, and sociocultural characteristics, the Hispanic population is becoming increasingly important in the US. Using 1980 US Census data, the migration patterns of older Hispanics to and within the US were evaluated. The review focused on Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Hispanic groups. Four assumptions were addressed: 1. since the current Hispanic population is quite youthful, growth of the elderly Hispanic population has increased by migration from abroad; 2. elderly migration has been primarily limited to the states that already have a high proportion of Hispanics; 3. most elderly immigrants live with relatives; and 4. compared with other Hispanic groups, Mexican-Americans have a high rate of returning to their US state of birth. These four hypotheses were generally supported by the research findings. Fifty-five percent of older Hispanics immigrate to the US from abroad, and this influences many of the other features of elderly Hispanic migration. Cubans were most likely to immigrate, probably due to economic reasons and the ease of obtaining political asylum in the US. Florida was the major destination of elderly Hispanic immigrants, with a gain of almost 25,000 older Hispanics, while California and other states had much smaller net gains. Specific patterns of migration were observed for each subgroup of Hispanics. Living arrangements for elderly Hispanics were not always tied to the family, and tended to depend on the amount of time the elders had resided in the US. The results demonstrate that the migration of elderly Hispanics differs from generally accepted patterns and deserves further study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Black retirement migration in the United States
Article Abstract:
General patterns of retirement migration are fairly well understood in the United States, so attention has been focused more recently on racial differences in choosing a place to live after retirement. There are three aspects of migration that seem most important: amenity, or the conveniences that the potential site offers; availability of assistance from those close to the retiree; and return migration, or return to the birth, or home, state to retire. For blacks, it seems that return migration plays an especially important role. Using data from the 1980 US Census, the migration patterns of older blacks were examined. The data showed that blacks tended to return to the South for retirement and that they did so primarily from the Northeast. Overall, 32 percent returned to the South, and 60 percent of those living in non-southern states did so. This may represent a black labor force that left the South during youth and returned for retirement. Comparing those who entered the South for retirement with those who left the South for retirement, those who entered tended to be younger, living independently, and were more often married whereas those who left the South tended to be older, more often widowed, and would be taken care of at their retirement destination. It is not known what specific variables may be at play in determining retirement patterns of blacks. Some studies suggest that vacationing patterns are a large influence in general retirement migration patterns. If this is so, it may be that blacks who have left the South then vacation there more, and therefore tend to retire there as well. This and other factors should be investigated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1991
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Regional retirement migration: the case of Cape Cod
Article Abstract:
Many elderly people and retirees migrate to areas considered more attractive for a retirement lifestyle. Research studies have focused on such migration when the migration centers are distant from the migrator's original homes and families. However, many elderly migrants move to areas close to their original homes and families; an example is people who live in the Northeast who move to Cape Cod. This study examined why elderly people chose to migrate to an area within their general home region and if they were somehow different from people who migrated to regions further away. The study surveyed 151 elderly people who migrated to Cape Cod. Results showed that there were three main reasons why people chose to move to Cape Cod. The first was familiarity with the area, often from having vacationed there on a regular basis. Another reason given was that the amenities that enhance living were readily available, without the inconveniences often encountered in urban areas. The third reason was that Cape Cod was close enough to their original homes and families to maintain some consistency in life. The results show that studying both inter-regional and intra-regional migration are important in examining this process in the elderly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1991
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