This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Services Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire PubMed PubMed Citation

In Retirement Migration, Who Counts? A Methodological Question With Economic Policy Implications

Correspondence: Address correspondence to William H. Haas III, PhD, Professor of Sociology, One University Heights, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, NC 28804-8508. E-mail:Haas{at}UNCA.edu

Abstract

Purpose: We examine the methodological and economic policy implications of three operationalizations of retirement migration. Design and Methods: We compared the traditional age-based definition of retirement migration and two retirement-based definitions, based on degree of labor-force participation and retirement income, by using the 2000 U.S. Census Public Use Microdata Sample.  Results: The age-based definition overestimated the number of retired migrants, although the ranking of host and donor states remained relatively stable; nevertheless, states revealed different rates of change in inmigration and outmigration and income streams declined. Implications: Retirement-based definitions are more useful and precise for those researchers considering the economic implication of retirement migration.

Key Words: Economic policy • Methodology • Migration • Retirement

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. F. Sergeant, D. J. Ekerdt, and R. Chapin Measurement of Late-Life Residential Relocation: Why Are Rates for Such a Manifest Event So Varied? J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci., March 1, 2008; 63(2): S92 - S98. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. F. Longino Jr.,, D. E. Bradley, E. P. Stoller, and W. H. Haas III Predictors of Non-Local Moves Among Older Adults: A Prospective Study J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci., January 1, 2008; 63(1): S7 - S14. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]