Factors Contributing to the Mobility of Retirees: The Lake Topaz Experience

Abstract

AbstractA group of retirees is studied based on the social phenomenological theory of aging. The research characterizes factors that influenced retirees’ decisions to reside in a rural retirement area offering few amenities. Differences in life satisfaction among retirees are also assessed.Responses from 274 retirees in Lake Topaz, Nevada were collected using an eight page questionnaire. The results indicate that the majority of these respondents migrated from urban areas in southern California. They are married, healthy, moderately well-educated, and have retirement incomes of $10,000 to $20,000 per year. Residents who migrated in search of a better quality of life and lower levels of congestion seem satisfied with the Lake Topaz area. Only one of the factors that would cause retirees to move away significantly affected mobility intention: the need to manage family property. Respondents who are now satisfied with their lives intend to stay in the area for the foreseeable future.The most distinctive chara...