Moving intentions among older adults in rental housing: elucidating the concept of ageing-in-place

Purpose Problems associated with ageing populations are common in most countries worldwide. Also, the dominant idea of ageing-in-place contributes to stagnant mobility between different housing sizes, thereby possibly affecting the efficiency of housing allocation. The purpose of the study is to critically explore the idea of ageing-in-place from the perspective of the residents, and it explores factors affecting the active moving intention of older adults, defined as 65 and older, as well as the preferred features of a new home among those with a present intention to move. This study also investigates factors that could affect moving intention among older adults without a present intention to move. Design/methodology/approach Based on a survey conducted among 1,002 Swedish older adults (65+) in multifamily rental housing, a binary logistic regression separates individuals who express an active intention to move, as measured by an index of indicators, from those with no present intention to move. Findings Not surprisingly the lack of an elevator is found to be the strongest predictor of intention to move among older adults. Also, respondents who perceive themselves as less wealthy are more inclined to want to move, which could be expected as a way to reduce costs. This study also shows that those less educated, older and less satisfied with life have no active intention to move. For this group, the possibility of moving assistance and cleaning out was perceived important for possibly rethinking this. The interpretation is that moving is demanding task later in life and that the dominant idea of ageing-in-place might have been misguided by factors affecting the perceived ability to move among older adults. Originality/value The results contribute to a better understanding on the moving intentions of older adults and their own perceptions on factors affecting housing decisions. This paper questions the idea of ageing-in-place and discusses its effects for a well-functioning housing market and make suggestions for policymakers.