Relocation of the elderly

In this article, the author reviews 78 studies addressing the relocation of the elderly. He begins by defining the four major forms of relocation and describing the trends in the current health care marketplace precipitating relocation events. Next, he reviews the major findings of studies assessing the potential negative and positive outcomes of relocation. These outcomes include changes in mortality rates, morbidity, and psychological or social changes. In addition, factors associated with successful relocation are presented. Finally, the primary contribution of this article is that the author assesses the strengths and limitations of this prior literature and combines the research he reviews in an analytic model. This model helps show some opportunities for future research in the relocation of the elderly.