Mobility of Elderly Population in Japanese Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

Observing the in-and out-migration rates by age groups for the minor administrative areas of Tokyo metropoltan area based on the data of 1970 population censns, the increase in the inmigration rate at the elderly ages is found in the suburban area. Also, as the upswing in the outmigration rate at the same age groups is observed in the metropolitan core area, it is implied that the increase in the inmigration rate at the elderly ages in the suburban area was caused mainly by outmigration of elderly people from the metropolitan core. In Osaka and Nagoya metropolitan areas the same mobility patterns by age as observed in Tokyo metropolitan area are recognized in a less extent. Considering the difference in the levels of metropolitanization between the metropolitan areas, it may be concluded that the propensity of upswing in the migration rates at the elderly ages in the metropolitan areas has been rising since 1970. Also, it can be said that the mobility of elderly population in the metropolitan areas is influenced greatly by the other reasons than environmental and occupational as well as by the reason of housing.