“I keep saying, I’m staying!” A closer look into the residential mobility patterns of elderly individuals in Veenendaal

Abstract

This study looks into the relocation behavior of elderly individuals in Veenendaal. By using the theoretical model of Mulder and Hooimeijer (1999) which incorporates life course trajectories, resources and restrictions, triggers and preferences, and the macro context in relation to residential mobility, an answer was formulated to the following research question: How can residential mobility among elderly individuals in Veenendaal be triggered, taking into account restrictions and preferences regarding housing and moving homes, and what strategies can be implemented to facilitate successful relocation?

The study is a qualitative study. With the help of semi-interviews, data on the opinions of elderly individuals in Veenendaal was gathered. Interviews covered the following topics: preferences regarding the physical characteristics of the home and its environment, living arrangements, residential mobility, and ‘Het Ambacht’, a residential redevelopment project of the municipality of Veenendaal.

Respondents expressed a strong preference for one-level housing. The home had to be accessible and future-proof. There was a variation in the number of rooms desired, with some respondents wanting three rooms and others having a preference for four. This difference was primarily due to the respondent's level of vitality. Other housing preferences included natural light entering the home and a place to sit outside, such as a balcony. Proximity to daily amenities and medical services was valued. Lastly, a flexible space for social activities and other services was deemed important.

Triggers that made respondents consider relocation often had to do with a sudden change in their lives. For example, the loss of a spouse, a decline in health, or a loss of mobility. These changes had an influence on the preferences and needs of respondent as a home became too big and stairs too hard to climb, resulting in the need for relocation.

Restrictions respondents experienced concerning relocation entailed financial considerations, the loss of social connections, and finding a home that fit their preferences and needs. Cognitive restrictions faced by respondents included struggles in finding the right information online and their perceptions of self. In addition, a shortage of suitable housing was experienced as a big obstacle in the process of relocation. Respondents who had to rely on social housing experienced long waiting lists and felt discouraged from pursuing relocation because of this.

In conclusion, in order to trigger residential relocation among elderly individuals in Veenendaal, a variety of changes need to be adopted by the municipality of Veenendaal. There is a need for housing that takes the preferences and needs of elderly individuals into account. Housing must also consider the different types of elderly individuals there are, as level of vitality plays a role in the housing preferences of elderly individuals. Besides this, more active spreading of awareness about aging and information about the importance of fitting housing are encouraged. Lastly, relocation assistance should be made available to those who need it. This assistance could be financial or physical during the relocation process.