Relocating to a new home, apartment or senior housing facility can be challenging for older adults who must learn to settle into a new living environment. The task can be even more traumatic for older adults who are forced to move because of illness and loss of independence, according to Ann Marshall, University of Illinois Extension educator, family life.
Healthy adults have more energy to become settled in a new location and to build new friendships.
Many factors influence both the decisions about where to live as needs change with age, and how successful a move will be. Research shows that adults who still have the ability to manage their own lives and can make decisions for themselves are more likely to adapt to a new location. An unanticipated or difficult move can be easier for adults who feel independent and in control of their lives. On the other hand, a crisis of illness or death in the family can hinder this process. If the loss is significant, such as the loss of a spouse, it may be best to delay the decision to move until the immediate crisis has passed.