PUBLICATIONS

WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE MOVING TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA?

People move to Southwest Florida for a variety of reasons. The region’s warm and sunny climate is a major draw for many people. Southwest Florida offers mild winters and hot summers, which is appealing to individuals seeking to escape colder climates or regions with harsher weather conditions. The region has long been a popular retirement destination due to its abundance of retirement communities, active adult communities, and amenities catering to older adults. The coastal area offers a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle with opportunities for golfing, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Several of the coastal communities boasts beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The area also has numerous parks, nature preserves, and golf courses, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Overtime the economy has experienced growth in various sectors, including healthcare, education, tourism, and real estate. The region offers employment opportunities, particularly in the service industry, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. Compared to other popular coastal areas in Florida, such as Miami or West Palm Beach, places like Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Estero and even Naples offers a more reasonable cost of living making it an attractive choice for individuals and families. While Southwest Florida may be known for its laid-back atmosphere, it also offers cultural and entertainment amenities. The region has a vibrant arts scene, including galleries, theaters, and music festivals. Additionally, there are shopping centers, restaurants, and a variety of social events to cater to different interests. There is a well-developed infrastructure with hospitals, medical facilities, shopping centers, and other essential services. The proximity to major cities like Sarasota ensures residents have access to a wide range of amenities and conveniences.

RELOCATION IN LATER YEARS, Aging in Place in America’s Urban Neighborhoods.

By Michael A. Fornaro, PhD.

May 2018

Over the past decade American society has been overwhelmed with the number of older adults over the age of sixty-five. The question is, where will they live? The answer is many will live in urban neighborhoods by choice or by default. American Society has a long history of assisting older people in the form of social security, meals for shut-ins, and medical insurance. However, Americans have fallen short in one arena that has a profound impact on the quality of day-to-day living – housing. Housing that is well-designed, suitably located, and affordable contributes to the ability of an older person to maintain his or her independence and age in place.

The current housing options available in urban neighborhoods are limited and becoming a crucial factor in determining the physical, social, and emotional well-being of older adults. Relocation in Later Years: Aging-in-Place in America’s Urban Neighborhoods provides strategies to retain and attract older adults to urban neighborhoods through the development of elderly-friendly neighborhoods and age-sensitive housing that allows older adults to age in place.