Question

Explain problems elders have with relocating, including shortage of low-cost housing, housing that can accommodate the oldest-old, the emotional trauma of uprooting elderly from long-lived homes and neighborhoods, and patterns of migration.

Answer 1

Problems elders have with relocating, include the development of the relocation stress syndrome (RSS) occurring with a combination of physiologic and psychological disturbances such as; exhaustion, sleep disturbances, anxiety, grief and loss, depression and disorientation. Uprooting elderly from long-lived homes and neighborhoods leads to loneliness and loss of the social convoy on which the elderly can depend. This disturbs them a lot emotionally. Further, the lack of availability of low-cost housing, housing that can accommodate the oldest-old by being customized to their needs such as supports for walking in the house adds to the problem.