Transitions in later life : the impact of residential relocation on well-being

Crisp, Dimity Ann

Transitions in later life : the impact of residential relocation on well-being

Date

2012

Authors

Crisp, Dimity Ann

Abstract

In the face of normative age-related declines in health and mobility, increasing numbers of older adults are considering self-care accommodation within the context of a retirement community as a mechanism to maintain independence. Whilst the benefits of down-sizing in older age are well established, relocation to a retirement community offers the additional provision of a) facilities to cater for current and anticipated future healthcare needs; b) general household maintenance and/or cleaning services; c) the security of an enclosed complex that increases older adults' sense of physical safety; and d) a close and supportive community network that reduces social isolation. The present study employed a prospective longitudinal design to examine the adaptation of 83 older Australians (aged 57 to 90 years) to independent living units within a retirement village over a 12 month period. A number of health, subjective well-being, and social network outcomes are examined. Comparisons are made with a sample of community-dwelling older adults of the same age. A promising indicator of the decision to relocate as a positive life change, results indicate that 12-months post-relocation, those who relocated to the village rated the environment as more positive than their pre-move residence. A reduction in perceived loneliness and an increase in neighbour social networks were then found to be the most significant benefits to relocation. Characteristics of those older adults likely to adapt best to living in a retirement village were dependent largely on the outcome in question. Contextual factors associated with the move, physical health, personality characteristics, and perceived control each contributed to adjustment.This investigation of the impact of relocationtoa retirement village on the social networks and well-being of older adults provides an important contribution to our understanding of the needs and experiences of our ageing community. Both government policy and aged care providers should benefit from monitoring and continued improvement of housing options for older adults. Through indentifying the needs and experiences of our older population, along with the factors characterizing successful transition, we can strive to ensure that relocation performed either out of preference or necessity is a positive experience and a step toward continued healthy ageing.