We are just starting to turn our attention to learning about how to serve those needs. Baby boomers are coming of age and a large number of them are likely to migrate to Arizona. That's good news for the state, a major player in the seasonal migration phenomena. Okun says that current research efforts focus on what causes people to migrate, who migrates and why, as well as on the consequences of migration. Because these people are not reflected in the census, the state receives no credit.
Seasonal migration produces many benefits.
But there are costs associated with it that must be addressed. Arizona and other Sun Belt states already have experienced significant growth. They will experience a vast increase in migration as the baby boomers continue to age. Although the senior population is healthier, more active, and living longer than any other in the nation's history, Okun does not believe that society has done a good job of increasing active life expectancy. Seniors should be given a more active role in the future.