MAINTAINING LIFE SPACE MOBILITY AMONG ELDERLY MIGRANTS TO THE SUNBELT: DEMOGRAPHIC, HEALTH AND SOCIAL ANTECEDENTS

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2018-11, Vol.2 (suppl_1), p.274-274
• Main Authors: Kahana, E, Han, C, Kahana, B, Bhatta, T, Yu, J, Iqbal, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1013

Life space mobility, operationalized as distance traveled, denotes environmental competence and reflects freedom of movement “to go where and when a person wants to go” (Satariano et al 2012). Older adults who opt to migrate in late life may be predisposed to maintain greater life space mobility. Our study explored determinants of distance traveled during the past week, month and year among 437 old-old adults (mean age 83.5) living in a Florida retirement community that offered no special services.(Kahana, Kelley-Moore & Kahana 2012) Using ordered logistic regressions we examined social engagement and transportation access along with demographic and health-related antecedents of distance traveled. Surprisingly, our very old respondents traversed long distances to visit family and friends. Respondents’ propensity to visit friends and family living in distant locations represented a significant pull factor that encouraged long distance travel. Social engagement (participation in clubs, classes and volunteering) and access to driving a car also facilitated environmental mobility. Older age, female gender and functional limitations predicted more limited life space mobility Predictors of weekly, monthly and yearly distance travelled were similar. Notably many old-old respondents continued long distance travel attesting to great potential for environmental competence and ability to navigate environmental complexity in late life. Our findings document the interplay of personal and environmental resources, motivational factors, and opportunities in shaping life space mobility among new cohorts of the very old that include adventurous older adults.