Retirement and Migration in the North Central States: Two Planned Retirement Communities.

This report presents a brief historical review of the background and function of the planned retirement community and an analysis and comparison of responses of males living in two modern retirement communities--Sun City, Florida, and Sun City, Arizona. The results indicated that the respondents differed slightly on a number of background variables (e.g., migrant's origins, years in residence), but were similar on many factors (e.g., age, family size, and marriage patterns). The Florida sample was slightly higher in financial, occupational, and educational areas. A majority of the respondents from both groups gave favorable responses on subjective evaluations of health. Results from the Life Satisfaction Scale showed that Arizona respondents had higher life satisfaction than the Florida sample. It is suggested that researchers should analyze the effects on the community and environment upon the aged, specifically social participation and social interaction, and whether differences found in this study can be attributed to the planned community itself or to the background and financial factors. To maintain viable communities, it is felt that the developers need to correct some of the inadequacies found. (JS)