A Life-Course Perspective on Elderly Residential Mobility in Southern China: An Adaptation of the Amenity Retirement Migration Model

This qualitative study examined the migration process of 30 Hong Kong retirees in Southern China. Factors influencing decisions align with the life-course perspective and Amenity Retirement Migration Model. Cost of living, better environment and amenities, desirable lifestyle, cultural views and perspectives, past life and work experience, previous mobility patterns, housing history, financial resources, marriage, and intergenerational relationships affected retirees’ mobility decisions. Dissatisfaction with new environments, lack of contact with relatives and friends, and lack of access to local medical services made movers contemplate additional moves. These findings can inform the development of resettlement or adaptation programs for those moving to their homeland for retirement. Coordination to ensure seamless service transitions is critical to adjustment of aging retirees.