Older Urban Migrants in Rural Settings: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

A substantial portion of the current urban to rural migration stream consists of older persons who are choosing to live in countryside residences rather than in towns. This article draws on experiences of older migrants in order to explore some of the objective and subjective implications of residential choice. The data demonstrate that while older persons living in the countryside have less access to goods and services, they are more satisfied, more likely to perceive a net improvement over the former residence, and more attached to their residences. The research suggests that the circumstances of older migrants in rural areas must be closely monitored to determine what effects aging and living costs will have on subsequent residential mobility.