No place like home, say aging boomers

Janice L. Habuda

Jul. 17, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- So where's the destination of choice for Erie County's baby boomers as they age?

Would you believe Erie County?

A University at Buffalo survey of more than 480 county residents, ages 50 and older, revealed that 82 percent of them would prefer to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. And of those who moved between 1995 and 2000, 75 percent stayed within the Western New York region, according to data from the last census.

"Contrary to conventional wisdom, there is not a mass exodus of the region's older residents to the Sun Belt," said Debra Street, a UB professor of sociology and the lead researcher on the survey. "Overwhelmingly, their preference is to remain not only in this region, but in their current homes."

"When I'm 65" is the latest policy brief of the university's Regional Institute. It's part of "Four Seasons" research that includes faculty from law, health, architecture, urban planning and social work.

"With Western New York anticipating rapid growth in its older population, it is essential to base critical policy decisions on objective assessments of the concerns, priorities and needs of this diverse community," said Kathryn A. Foster, institute director.

Younger residents in the survey group -- those 50 to 64 -- are more likely to anticipate moving. Nearly 20 percent of them said they expect to move from their current homes in the next couple of years, which researchers interpreted as possible uncertainties about job-related moves or plans to downsize to smaller homes.

Regardless of their age and where they live, survey respondents had common concerns, researchers found. They include the affordability of property taxes and a dismal view of the region's economy.

The region received good grades for neighborhood safety, access to medical care and support services, which help people maintain independence as they age. And the four-season climate received good grades from 43 percent of survey participants.

The policy brief is available at http://regional-institute. buffalo. edu/.

jhabuda@buffnews.com

Newstex ID: KRTB-0019-26731902