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Patterns of changing residential preferences during late adulthood

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 April 2018

EVA K. ANDERSSON Open the ORCID record for EVA K. ANDERSSON [Opens in a new window] ,
MARIANNE ABRAMSSON  and
BO MALMBERG
EVA K. ANDERSSON*
Affiliation:
Department of Human Geography, Stockholm University, Sweden.
MARIANNE ABRAMSSON
Affiliation:
ASC, Ageing and Social Change, Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden.
BO MALMBERG
Affiliation:
Department of Human Geography, Stockholm University, Sweden.
*
Address for correspondence: Eva K. Andersson, Svante Arrhenius väg 8, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden E-mail: eva.andersson@humangeo.su.se
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Abstract

Earlier research on residential mobility has demonstrated a tendency for the young old of the 55+ population to prefer peripheral locations, whereas older age groups choose central locations. Here, we present survey results indicating that such late-adulthood differences in preferences are supported by age-related shifts corresponding to differences in housing preferences expressed by individuals in peripheral as well as central locations in Sweden. A sample of 2,400 individuals aged 55 years and over was asked to select the seven most important characteristics of a dwelling from a list of 21 alternatives (Survey of Housing Intentions among the ELDerly in Sweden (SHIELD), 2013). The preferences expressed were used as dependent variables in logistic regressions to determine to what extent the housing preferences of older people are linked to age, gender, socio-economic status and type of geographical area. The results demonstrated a close link between neighbourhood characteristics and housing preferences. Owning the dwelling, having a garden and access to nature were stressed as important by individuals living in non-metropolitan middle-class areas and in suburban elite areas. The youngest cohort expressed similar preferences. Older age groups instead stressed the importance of an elevator, single-storey housing and a good design for independent living; preferences that have similarities to those expressed by individuals living in large cities and smaller urban centres where such housing is more readily available.

Keywords

late adulthoodolder peoplehousing preferencesgeographyarea typeself-congruitySweden
Type
Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 39 , Issue 8 , August 2019 , pp. 1752 - 1781
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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