TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Experts say retirees who move to Florida and other warm climates are heading back to the Midwest and Northeast in increasing numbers.
Researchers with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging say elderly people often move to sunnier climates shortly after retiring but return to their previous homes when their health deteriorates, a spouse dies or their savings run out, USA Today reported Thursday.
"People relocate in their 60s when they're in good health and often move to active adult communities," said Sandy Markwood, chief executive officer of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. "When they face either a dramatic illness or the death of a spouse, all of a sudden these active adult communities are away from the support system they have and they're not as attractive as they once were."
Markwood said the number of U-turning seniors is expected to rise as the baby boom generation approaches retirement age and U.S. citizens lead increasingly longer lives.
Peter Morrison, demographer at the Rand Corp. think tank, said he has documented the boomerang trend in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh "is trading younger elderly for older Floridians," he said. "Pittsburgh is basically accumulating among its elderly more and more of those who are disabled and need services."
