CLIMATE AND U.S. ELDERLY MIGRATION RATES

This study investigates the impact of climate on [U.S.] metropolitan elderly migration rates. Factor analysis is used to identify six factors within a set of forty climatic variables. These six factors along with eleven nonclimatic variables are used to predict elderly in- and outmigration rates. Metropolitan areas with mild winters and low average incomes are attractive to elderly inmigrants while those with high rents and clear dry summers are likely to lose older residents through outmigration. These findings are consistent with the life course model of mobility and with the distinction between conservative and innovating migrants. (EXCERPT)