Aging in the Right Place: Effects from Relocation and Homebound Status

Abstract

Many older adults wish to stay in their dwellings or neighborhood to achieve aging in place. However, aging in place may not be a one size fits all solution for older adults (Golant, 2008). In fact, many older adults are not prepared to achieve aging in place and relocation occurs frequently in later life (Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2019). Furthermore, the number of homebound older adults, who are confined to their dwellings due to difficulties in leaving their homes without significant assistance from others, has been increasing (Ornstein et al., 2015). Even though the numbers of both movers and homebound older adults have increased in the past decade (Li et al., 2021; Ornstein et al., 2015), there is very limited knowledge about these two subgroups. My three-paper format dissertation focused on these two understudied populations in the aging in place literature. Specifically, Paper 1 (Chapter 2) examined the relationship between intergenerational proximity and contact frequency with children in the context of relocation. Findings showed that relocation and proximity to a child is associated with changes in in-person contact frequency with children, and changes in telephone contact frequency with children, respectively. In contrast, relocation and proximity to a child is not associated with changes either in contact frequency with children via email or via social media. The findings suggest movers could utilize digital contact modes (email and social media) to maintain contact with their social relations in response to relocation. Paper 2 (Chapter 3) explored the effects of relocation on psychological well-being across different settings (within-community relocation, relocation from community to non-nursing facilities, and relocation from community to nursing homes). This study revealed that older adults who stay in their community and within-community movers show no difference in terms of psychological well-being, implying that within-community relocation can be a strategy to achieve aging in the right place with respect to psychological well-being. In contrast, compared to older adults who stay in the community, non-nursing facilities movers and nursing home movers report lower psychological well-being over time suggesting that more support is needed to help older adults achieve aging in the right place in long-term care facilities. Paper 3 (Chapter 4) investigated the longitudinal association between homebound status and social isolation in later life. Findings showed that homebound older adults are more likely to report a higher level of social isolation compared to non-homebound counterparts. Homebound older adults are also more likely to report a higher level of social isolation compared to semi-homebound older adults. Social isolation is a reversible condition. The findings suggest the importance of providing more social interaction opportunities. In sum, this dissertation examines the extent to which relocation and homebound status are associated with social and psychological well-being, important components of aging in place. The findings of the dissertation could help older adults to make informed decisions about where to live in later life.