Factors affecting seniors' decision to relocate to senior living communities

This study aimed to investigate the influence of push and pull factors and perceived barriers on seniors' intention to relocate to senior living communities (SLC). The mediating role of perceived barriers on the proposed relationships were also examined. The data was collected from 363 seniors. Structural equation modeling analysis was conducted to test the study hypotheses. The results indicated that health-related, social and family/friend related, housing and property related push factors, and facility related pull factor positively; and family related, economic, socio-psychological, and knowledge and information barriers negatively influenced seniors' relocation intention. The study results further indicated that the relationship between health-related push factors and intention to relocate was mediated by family related and socio-psychological barriers, and the relationship between facility related pull factors and intention to relocate was mediated by socio-psychological and economic barriers. The findings provide valuable implications for academicians, SLC operators, health care facilitators and government agencies.

Automated summary

The study found that push and pull factors positively influence seniors' intention to relocate, while perceived barriers have a negative impact. The effects of health-related and facility-related factors on relocation intention are mediated by barriers.