An analysis of the processes and outcomes of elderly migration to small prairie lakeshore communities in the Interlake region of Manitoba

The primary objective of this study is to further our understanding of elderly mobility by investigating the processes and outcomes of the migration of older people to lakeshore retirement communities located in Manitoba's Interlake region. The conceptual framework of the present study specifically incorporates elements of both migration decision-making models and place attachment/integration models. Four research questions were derived from the conceptual framework respectively concerning elderly migrant profile characteristics, the elder's decision to move, the elder's relocation decision-making process, and elderly migration outcomes. A sequential four-stage survey design included: (a) a questionnaire/interview survey of elderly migrants; (b) in-depth life-history interviews with elderly migrants; (c) a questionnaire/interview survey of community leaders; (d) two separate focus group sessions including both elderly migrants and community leaders. Two non-probability sampling procedures (i.e. convenience sampling and snowball sampling) were utilized, generating a total of 34 elderly migrants and 10 community leaders.;The analysis of data involved the use of both descriptive statistical techniques and qualitative methods. In particular, key variables were specified for each research question and organized hierarchically into variable groups and mega themes. The results of the analysis disclose that a large majority of elderly respondents were "young-old" amenity migrants with strong ties to Manitoba. However, the respondents differed with regard to the number of residential moves made throughout the life course, and their amount of previous place experience within the study area. Both push and pull factors played major roles in elderly migration decision-making, particularly proximity to urban centres, while spousal input and previous place experience were also important. My findings suggest that community leaders and elderly migrants were in general agreement about key issues facing newcomers to the study area. However, the migrants were generally satisfied with their moves to communities in the study area and had no migration intentions for the future. Taken together, these results may be viewed as evidence of the successful place integration of elderly migrants within semi-rural retirement communities located in a cold Canadian climate. To conclude, policy interventions should be directed toward maintaining sustainable retirement communities to facilitate the integration of older migrants.